Alexa's friends hugged her tightly while the construction workers whispered among themselves, baffled at how the girl had ended up so high so quickly. Alexa hardly heard them. Her mind replayed the image of the one she had already named: the Toad Man.
That night, at home, she recounted the story with her usual energy."I swear, girls! He didn't even bend his legs—he just leapt straight onto another building!"
Tamara and Leslie exchanged looks."Girl, you're crazy.""Yeah… besides, it was a miracle you survived. Just thinking about it makes me scared of losing you," Leslie added, pinching her cheeks.
Later, as her friends slept, Alexa paced restlessly around her room. At last, she stepped onto her balcony, sighing at the memory of her savior. With renewed determination, she shouted into the night:"It's decided! Toad Man, the next time we meet, you'll teach me how to jump like that!"
"Alexa!" her mother's voice called sharply from the hall. "It's two in the morning. Go to bed—you've got school tomorrow!"
Blushing, Alexa tapped herself on the forehead, dove into bed, and surrendered to sleep.
The next day was as normal as ever. After school, she volunteered at a nursing home, helped rescue stray animals, and joined a housing project team. But as soon as she got home, her excitement boiled over. She called her friends."Tamara, Leslie, listen—I've got a plan to capture Toad Man."
They stared at her in disbelief."No way! That's way too dangerous!" Tamara protested."Come on," Alexa replied with boundless positivity. "If he saved me and the kitten, maybe he'll appear again if I'm in danger."
There was no reasoning with her. Defeated, her friends agreed to help.
The next afternoon, the central park of Garlen gleamed in the sun—beautifully kept, with a lake at its heart. The trap was set.
"Tamara, ready with the net?""Yes, boss," Tamara replied seriously, crouched in the bushes.
"Leslie, release the water barrels.""Alexa, I really don't think this is a good idea…"
"It's the only way I can think of to meet him again," Alexa insisted.
Reluctantly, Leslie let go. Twenty barrels rumbled down toward Alexa, who threw herself into the role, raising a leg dramatically."Oh no! These evil barrels are going to crush me! Someone who can leap like a mutant, save me!"
The barrels closed in. At the last second, she was tackled to safety. Eyes squeezed shut, Alexa smiled—her hero had returned.
But when she opened them… her joy vanished. A freckled boy with black hair hovered nervously above her.
"Ugh… you're not who I'm looking for! Get off!" Alexa shouted, shoving him away.