How Emma Got to Happyville
Emma wasn’t having a good day. She didn’t want to do her chores, so she dragged her feet and frowned. She didn’t want to share with her brother. “Don’t touch my things!” she said. “Go away!”
“Emma,” said Mommy. “Come here.”
Emma came slowly. She knew she was being naughty, but she didn’t feel like obeying. “You have a choice,” Mommy said. She pointed to two pictures. “See these children?” she asked.
Emma looked at the page. It was the picture of the grumpy children in Grumpytown. They were complaining and fighting with each other. But across the page was Happyville. That is where the children were smiling and helpful.
“Do you want to live in Grumpytown or Happyville?” asked Mommy. “Go to your room and think about it.”
Emma went up the stairs frowning. She felt very grumpy. But she didn’t want to live in Grumpytown! What could she do?
A few minutes later she hurried to Mommy. “Mommy, I’m going to live in Happyville today!” she said. She felt happy when she said it.
Mommy smiled at her. “That’s good, Emma,” she said. “Now it is time to wash the dishes.”
“Yes, Mommy!” said Emma. “I like to wash the dishes!” And it was true. Emma sang while she worked and didn’t feel grumpy at all. When her little brother played with her toys, she smiled at him. The more she was willing and cheerful, the more happy she was.
I’m so glad that Emma decided to live in Happyville, aren’t you?