Dolphin and the Secret Tea Party
Lily sat very still on her rug. The house was too quiet. Mom was at the hospital with the new Baby Brother, and Lily's heart felt small and heavy. She squeezed her eyes shut.
Squeak! Dolphin slid across the floor, balancing the Pink Teaset on his nose. Lily gasped. With a splash of imagination, the playroom walls melted away into a wild, bubbling ocean adventure!
Whoosh! They dove deep into the glowing pink kelp. Dolphin swam in fast, exciting loops, chasing the runaway teacups. Lily laughed, her swirling in the cool, sparkling water.
They landed on a giant, glittering coral table. Lily carefully poured imaginary sea-tea. Dolphin did a silly flip, catching a bubble in his cup. But then, Lily looked down at her small hands.
She whispered into Dolphinâs soft fin. 'Does Mom only love the new baby now?' Dolphin shook his head quickly. He pressed his warm nose against her cheek, giving her a big, comforting squeeze.
Suddenly, a warm light flickered above. The ocean faded, and the cozy playroom returned. The front door clicked open. Mom was home! Lily stood up, holding her breath.
Mom knelt down, leaving Baby Brother in his bassinet. She opened her arms wide, just for Lily. Lily ran fast and buried her face in Mom's soft sweater. The familiar, sweet scent filled her up.
Mom whispered, 'My sweet Lily, my heart just grew bigger.' Lily looked at Baby Brother, then at Dolphin. She smiled. Would her new baby brother like to play sea-tea party tomorrow?
