Practicing 'Please' and 'Thank You'

Lily bounced on the balls of her feet, her pigtails jiggling with each happy hop. Today was a special day! It was the day she was going to be the bestest ever at saying “please” and “thank you.” Mom had explained it so clearly in their talk yesterday, how these little words were like magic keys that unlocked happy feelings for everyone. Lily wanted to unlock all the happy feelings!

She tiptoed into the kitchen, where Mom was humming a gentle tune as she poured cereal into a bowl. The sunlight streamed through the window, making the little droplets of milk on the counter sparkle like tiny diamonds. Lily’s tummy rumbled. Breakfast!

“Mommy,” Lily began, her voice a little too loud, her eagerness bubbling over like fizzy lemonade. “Can I have some of that yummy-looking toast?”