Ava stopped outside a bright shop window. A pair of trainers sat inside, looking as though they were about to run away on their own.

“Mum,” she said.

“Yes, love?”

My tummy has gone hot.

Her hands were reaching out too. They seemed ready to catch the trainers if the glass suddenly vanished.

“I really, REALLY want them.”

Mum stood beside her. “Thank you for telling me.”

The trainers cost nine coins. Ava's money-band showed nine. For a moment, that seemed like the whole answer.

Then Louis pointed to the track at the end of the street. “We came out for a run.”

Ava looked at the trainers. She looked at the track. Her tummy was still hot.

My tummy has gone hot.

“We can take a little walk before you decide,” Mum offered.

Ava held Mum's hand. They passed a leaf spinning in the breeze, a dog waiting beside its grown-up and a window full of books.

The trainers stayed in Ava's thoughts. So did the track.

“Could I try them on another day?” she asked.

“We can ask,” Mum said.

Ava nodded. Today she wanted her run first. She hadn't stopped liking the trainers. She had found something else she wanted to do as well.

At the track, she stretched her legs. Louis stood beside her. I got ready to give the signal.

“How's the tummy?” Mum asked.

Ava grinned.

“Now it's ready to race.”