Billy gazed up at the smooth, round, red surface. He chuckled in awe at the way it floated so effortlessly through the air.

This special balloon was the small boy's most prized possession. He went everywhere with it.

He would drag it behind him in the playground.

The balloon would watch him eat his lunch, dinner and breakfast.

Billy brought the balloon to all his swim classes and watched as it bounced across the water's surface. He simply loved the balloon. 

The day started off very well for Billy. The sun was just starting to peek through the trees when Billy's mother called him for breakfast.

Billy sprinted into the kitchen and of course the balloon followed.

As Billy started to munch on a piece of toast his mother informed him that he was going to go to the park today. Billy was so excited!

He quickly abandoned the half eaten toast and raced to get ready. And of course the balloon followed. Billy strutted out of his room, ready to go and enjoy the adventures of the park.

The sun tickled the back of Billy's neck and warmed the vibrant surface of the balloon as Billy and his mother reached the parks edge.

Billy's bright blue eyes started to widen with joy and wonder as all the play equipment lay expectantly and patiently in front of him.

Billy played for hours running, jumping, skipping and sliding all around the playground. And of course the balloon followed.

The smile on Billy's face stretched so wide as he conquered obstacle after obstacle.

Suddenly Billy was feeling up for a challenge. He bravely climbed to the top of the slide, took a deep breath and jumped down the slide.

The rush of air and adrenaline flew through Billy as he soared down the slide.

 As Billy's feet hit the solid ground he turned expectantly to share his joy with the balloon. But the balloon had not followed.

Billy shrieked and stared up at the sky. A bright red circle streaked through the pale blue sky. Billy's vision was blurred by the tears as he saw his favourite thing in the world slowly drift away.

Billy was still very sad about the loss of his balloon and he found that night he could not fall asleep.

His mother had try to surround him by all his other favourite toys but it wasn’t the same without the piercing red balloon. Billy slowly fell into a restless sleep.

When Billy awoke the next morning he was more determined than ever! He would find his balloon.

He knew it would come back to him no matter what! So Billy began his search bright and early.

First he searched through the treacherous playground.

 Under the slide

near the sea saw....

past the towering green trees and at the top of the jungle gym.

The balloon was nowhere in sight.....

 Billy then headed to the swimming pool. Laughter and happy screams reached his ears and the pungent sent of chlorine filled his nostrils.

Billy searched under the people sun baking

near the lifeguards chair,

past the change rooms and on top of the diving board.