**A Valentiny Story by Aixa Perez-Prado 2020**

X and Z were best friends.
Until Y came between them.

“What are you doing?” Y asked X.
“Making a valentine for Z.”
“Why?” asked Y.
“Because I love him.”
“Why?” asked Y.
“Because he’s zany and zesty. But don’t tell Z, it’s a secret!”
“Why?” asked Y.
“You are too curious!” said X, and rushed off.

Soon Z came looking for X.
“Where’s X?” he asked.
“Can’t tell, it’s a secret,” said Y.
“X doesn’t keep secrets from me!” zapped Z.
“Why?” asked Y.
“Because we’re friends.”
“Why?” asked Y.
“Because she’s extraordinary, and I love her.”
“Why?” asked Y.
But Z didn’t answer. He zipped off looking for X.

When X saw Z coming, she headed for the exit.
She didn’t want Z to see the valentine.

When X finished her valentine, she went to find Z.
But Z saw her coming and zoomed away.
He didn’t want to be around someone who made him feel like a zero.

X was sad.
Z was mad.
Y felt bad.

‘Oh my,’ thought Y….(sigh).

Y stretched her two arms wide.
She put one around X, and the other around Z.
“You love each other,” she said, “Did you forget that?”

X and Z were best friends.
When Y came between them.