Sam Tyler poked at the peas on his plate, his face scrunched in determination. Across from him, Mother, gentle but firm, watched with hopeful eyes. "Sammy, eat your peas tonight. Vegetables are good for you," she encouraged, sliding the bowl closer. "No! I don't like peas," came the immediate reply, his voice echoing through the kitchen.
Sam[/@ch_1] prepares for school.]
Mother knelt beside the bed, holding out a pair of matching blue socks. "Sammy, please match your socks," she urged, her tone patient but weary. "I like to mix and match. No!" Sam announced, triumphantly pulling on one red and one green sock, a grin spreading across his face.
Father[/@ch_3] stands nearby, holding a pencil and a hopeful expression.]
"Sam, finish your homework, please. It helps you learn new things," Father coaxed, leaning in with encouragement. "I hate homework. No!" Sam declared, pushing the paper aside as if it were a mountain too high to climb.
Mother appeared in the doorway, towel draped over her arm. "Sammy, brush your teeth before you go to bed," she reminded, her eyes tired but kind. "No! I don't want to," Sam shouted, stomping his foot for emphasis.
Mother[/@ch_2] and Father sit together on the sofa, worry lines creasing their faces.]
"I just don't know what to do anymore. Sammy says no to everything," Mother confessed, sighing deeply. "Maybe we need help. What if we ask Miss Webster to talk to him?" Father suggested, hope flickering in his eyes.
Miss Webster[/@ch_4], a warm and wise teacher, stands before the class, her voice gentle but commanding.]
"Everyone, let's talk about why we do chores and homework. Brushing your teeth keeps you healthy, and putting away toys keeps your room safe," Miss Webster explained, her eyes sweeping the room. Sam listened intently, his stubbornness melting as he saw his classmates nodding in agreement. "These little things help you grow strong and smart," she continued, her smile reassuring.
Sam[/@ch_1] sits on a swing, a thoughtful look on his face as children laugh and play around him.]
As Sam remembered Miss Webster's words, he felt a new understanding bloom inside him. Maybe brushing his teeth, eating his peas, and doing his homework were not so bad after all. A smile crept across his face as he resolved to try saying "yes" a little more at home.
