Grace nodded. Her feathers rustling. "Ready, set, go!" she called. They started running.

Melika was faster, her legs moving in a blur. But Grace was clever, flying through gaps in trees. Melika's paws plopped on the dirt, creating little clouds of dust.

As the sun rose higher, Melika felt the heat. "I am the biggest and fastest cheetah!" Melika thought, determined to be the winner.

Suddenly, Melika saw a twig on the path. She skipped over it with ease. Grace flapped her wings and soared higher into the sky.

"You can't catch me!" Grace called. Melika kept running, as fast as she could.

She saw a lone hut in the distance. "Let's stop there," she suggested. Grace agreed, her wings flapping gently.

Melika arrived at the hut first, becoming the true winner. Grace came in after and they stopped and rested by the hut.

Melika and Grace sat on the warm ground, catching their breath. "That was fun," Melika said.

"You are a fast runner," said Grace. "Thank you," Melika replied. "Even though you are smaller than I am, you are fast too," Melika smiled.

Melika smiled. "I have a prize for you," she said. She grabbed a nice kite from her bag.

This is for you." Melika said. Grace clapped her wings in joy. "Thank you, Melika! This is the nicest gift.

Grace gave Melika a banner that said "Winner" on it. "Thank you Grace," Melika smiled.

Melika and Grace spent the rest of the day flying the kite. The windmill nearby spun faster as the wind picked up.

Melika and Grace laughed as the kite danced in the sky. By evening, they were tired. "Let's head back," Melika said.

Grace nodded, and they walked back to their homes. Melika felt happy. She had a fun day racing with her friend.