Act 1:
Once upon a time there was a cactus named Spike. Spike was one of many cacti living in the Phoenix Desert Botanical garden. Every day he stands alone as he watches families walk by. Spike notices children are always carrying balloons. Spike watches on the balloons hoping that one day he may just have one as a friend. The balloons know of Spike, but avoid him because of his sharp needles. One of the balloons named Latix always spread rumors about Spike. He told the other balloons that if they get too close, they may just pop!
 
Act 2:
Until one day Spike notices a balloon headed his way. Unbeknownst to Spike, the balloon isn't actually choosing to fly his way - the wind is forcing him. Spike finally has hope that he is going to make his first friend. He stands tall and puts a huge smile on his face. "Hi I'm Spike!" he practices to himself. "What's your name?" He repeats the phrases over and over as he slowly watches the balloon continue to make its way towards him. Once the balloon is close enough, Spike is confused when he sees the look of horror on it's face. The balloon is trying to push against the wind and move in the other direction. "Help, help, help" Spike hears the balloon say. The balloon inches closer and closer until it is finally in Spike's reach. Disregarding the balloons cues, Spike leans in to give the balloon a hug. The balloon tries to squirm away but, it is too late. The balloon pops.
 
 
All of the other balloons looked on in horror as they see the scene unfold. "See, I told you we needed to avoid him. Looked what happened to Jerry!" "I am so sorry!" Spike exclaimed. "I can’t help that these thorns are in the way. I will try really hard to be more careful." "I think you are better off just staying far away from all of us." one balloon said. The balloons began to make Spike feel like an outcast. Because of that, Spike's sadness turned to anger. And the bullied, became the bully. "If they don't want to be my friend, then FINE!". Meanwhile at the balloon stand, a young curious balloon named Helia ponders a life outside the balloon stand. Young balloons are told not to leave the balloon stand because the garden is dangerous. But she can't wait for the day she gets to float away and explore. "How come no one talks to that cactus over there?" Helia asked Latix. "You need to stay far away from him! Didn't you see what happened to Jerry. And look at him now, its like he is proud of what he did." He responded. "I want to meet him. I'm tired of being stuck here every day looking at the same flowers. I want something new!" Helia said. Young Helia decided in that moment she was going to get to know Spike herself!

Act 3:
Against the advice of Latix and the other balloons Helia decides to leave the stand and talk to Spike. “What are you doing?” One of the other balloons yells after her as she untethers herself from the stand and begins her journey to Spike. “Not again.” Spike says to himself when he sees Helia approaching. “Stay away! Haven’t you heard what I do to balloons like you?” He yells at her. “I’m not afraid of you.” Helia replies. “Just stay away!” Spike yells. From across the garden the balloons are watching as the scene unfolds. “You better leave her alone! Just to let you know, I warned EVERYONE about you and what you have done!” Latix screams at Spike. “Why don’t you come over here and find out for yourself. Come get a snuggle!

The two continue to bicker back and forth. Latix calling Spike names and insulting him, and Spike trying his best to maintain his tough exterior. “That is enough!” Helia’s little voice echoes. “Latix, why don’t you leave Spike alone! How can you dislike someone so much that you never even took the opportunity to get to know.” “I know that he is a balloon popper! I don’t know how you are even getting so close to him Helia! You know what he did to Jerry.” “That was an accident! But you all jumped to conclusions.” “I don’t know Helia, I still don’t trust him,” says Latix. “I think we need to all just give him a chance,” replies Helia. “Fine, but be VERY careful Helia.”


“Why would you want to stand up for someone like me. I was nothing but mean to you.” Spike says.
“Everyone deserves a chance to change.”
“Well…. That’s nice of you Helia. You know, it’s fine for us to talk, but keep a safe distance.”

As the two began talking and becoming friends Helia starts to notice a change in Spike.

“You know Spike, life at the balloon stand is always the same. We always have the same conversations and see the same things. Your view of the garden must be great from up there. You know…… I have an idea…..”

Helia begins to get closer and closer. Spike tells her to stop getting so close, it isn’t safe. Helia wraps her string around Spikes arm and floats at a safe distance above.

“Open your eyes Spike! Look!” Helia says.
“I DIDN’T POP YOU!” Spike exclaims.

Helia floats above looking out on to the botanical garden, she has exactly what she wanted. The best view. “You know Spike, you are my best friend.”

A flower starts to bloom at the top of Spikes head.