The Big Yellow Bus

Uzi bounced in her seat as the big yellow bus rumbled down the California highway. Palm trees swayed outside the windows like giant fans waving hello.

"Look!" Isabella pointed ahead. "The Hollywood sign!"

All ten girls pressed their faces to the windows. Poppy's breath fogged the glass as she gasped. Lily clapped her hands while Maddie giggled with excitement.

"I can't believe we're really here," whispered Velda to her twin sister Velma.

Dolly and Polly started singing a silly song about movie stars. Annie pulled out her phone to take pictures of everything they passed.

Their teacher, Mrs. Chen, smiled from the front. "Girls, we're almost at Sunset Studios. Remember to stay together and listen carefully to our guide."

The bus turned through massive golden gates decorated with stars and cameras.

The Sad Director

The girls stepped off the bus onto smooth concrete. Giant movie posters covered every wall. Cameras on wheels sat parked like sleeping monsters.

"Welcome to Sunset Studios!" called their tour guide, a tall man with a clipboard. "I'm Jake. Follow me to Sound Stage Five."

They walked past actors in strange costumes. A woman in a silver space suit waved at them. A man dressed like a cowboy tipped his hat.

But near the back entrance, Uzi spotted someone sitting alone on wooden steps. It was a young woman with messy brown hair, holding her head in her hands. A small dog with floppy ears sat beside her, whimpering softly.

"She looks so sad," Uzi whispered to Isabella.

The woman looked up. Her eyes were red from crying.