Luciana exclaimed "Pfft, as if I need a lesson on talking!"
Her slim and energetic frame was animated with youthful defiance, bright eyes sparkling with mischief as she tossed her freckled face back, letting out a playful huff.
Pablito replied gently, "Yes, you do… I mean, yes, you really do."
His tall, sturdy build leaned forward, his gentle features softened as he tried to impart a lesson he knew she needed.
Luciana thought to herself, Who does he think he is, a “Tone Coach” or something?
Luciana shrugged, "Does it even matter? At least I said it."
Pablito responded, "It definitely matters! Think about it this way…"
He pointed to a thought bubble filled with scenes from the past.
Luciana mused silently, Here we go… Mr. Tone Expert’s at it again.
Luciana had shouted, "WATCH where you’re going!"
Her voice echoed sharply as a friend accidentally bumped into her. The friend, startled, appeared on the verge of tears, a moment frozen in Luciana's memory.
Luciana thought defensively, Who wouldn’t yell when they’re getting bulldozed?!
Pablito suggested, "Imagine if you said it right."
He guided her through the thought experiment.
Luciana repeated softly, "Watch where you’re going!"
The friend waved back, relieved and happy.
Luciana internally admitted, Huh. That actually felt… kinda nice.
Luciana said, "I guess that does sound better. But I really think I’ve got it down now."
Her voice tinged with a mix of confidence and curiosity.
Pablito encouraged, "Hmm… maybe, but let’s think back a little more."
Luciana replied with a smirk, "Okay, memory lane it is… but don’t expect me to be all sweet and soft."
Luciana thought, Pablito sure is persistent about this whole ‘tone’ thing.
Luciana had barked, "Chew quieter!"
Her hands covering her ears.
Pablito gently suggested, "Well… imagine if you’d said it differently."
Luciana pondered, If I can hear it, why can’t she?!
Pablito coaxed, "Try saying ‘Chew quieter’ with a softer voice. Doesn’t that feel better?"
Luciana admitted, "Hmm, maybe…"
Noticing how Molly continued eating happily, the tension between them melting away.
Luciana acknowledged, Okay, maybe I’m starting to get this.
Pablito stated with a nod, "See, it’s not always what you say—it’s how you say it. Tone really makes a difference!"
Luciana protested, "But it’s not easy to say it right all the time!"
A slight frown creasing her brow.
Luciana thought, Maybe he has a point…
Pablito reassured, "That’s true! But with a little practice, you’ll see it makes a big difference for your friends—and for you, too."
Giving Luciana an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Luciana agreed, "Maybe… I guess it’s worth a try."
A newfound optimism shining in her eyes.
Luciana thought, Let’s see if this ‘gentle voice’ thing actually works…
Luciana began, "Come on! Move faster!"
Then paused to correct herself. "Oops—I mean... could you please hurry?"
Pablito laughed, "See? Told you you’d get the hang of it!"
As they both stepped outside.
Luciana thought, Alright, alright, maybe he was right after all.
