They scrubbed the cracked pots till they squeaked, then tipped in cool, dark soil with their hands. A dusty puff jumped up and landed right on Vivek’s nose.

Vivaan stared for one surprised second, then gigled. “Captain Mudface, reporting for duty!” he declared, lifting his little red shovel in a grand salute.

Vivek crossed his eyes, trying to see his nose. “A fine captain needs brave helpers,” he said. Soon they were both laughing so hard that even the heavy buckets felt easy.