Max[/@ch_1], a little boy clown in his bright costume, sits curled up on the big comfy couch.]
Tears streak down Max's painted cheeks as he clutches his oversized red rubber nose and fiddles with his yellow tie dotted in purple. He sniffles, his shoulders shaking, and looks to his older sister Loonette the Clown, who sits nearby in her familiar purple hat and black pigtails.
"Loonette, I'm a sad little boy clown," he manages to say, his voice trembling. "I miss Mom and Dad so much. They're far away, making other clowns happy, and I just wish they were here with me."
Loonette[/@ch_2]'s purple hat as she scoots closer to Max, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. The twinkling music box on the mantel plays a soft, comforting tune.]
Loonette gives Max a gentle squeeze, her eyes warm with understanding. "Oh, Max, it's okay to feel sad when you miss someone you love. Our parents are the best clowns in the whole world, and I know they'd be here if they could." She brushes a stray curl from his forehead and smiles. "But you know what? We're together now, and that counts for something special."
Max wipes his eyes, taking a deep, wobbly breath. "Do you think my friends from clowndergarten could come over today, Loonette?" he asks hopefully. "Tina and the other little clowns always make me laugh. Maybe if they come, I can be a happy little boy clown again."
Loonette[/@ch_2] bounces up from the couch, determination in her step. She grabs the old rotary phone from the side table, its cord coiled like a clown's wig, and begins to dial.]
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Max," she says, her voice brightening. "Let’s call Tina and all your friends. We'll have the silliest, happiest clown gathering Clowntown has ever seen—right here on our big comfy couch!" She winks, and Max manages a small, hopeful smile.
Tina, a sprightly girl clown with a big blue bow, leads the charge, followed by a gaggle of clowndergarten friends. Each one brings a silly prop—rubber chickens, juggling balls, and even a whoopee cushion. They cluster around Max, showering him with hugs and jokes. "We missed you, Max! Let’s play the laughing limbo and see who can honk their nose the loudest!"
Max's tears are replaced with joy as he joins his friends in games and silliness, his red nose honking with every giggle. Loonette watches from the couch, heart full, as Max finally smiles wide and true. "Thank you, everyone! I feel like the happiest little boy clown in Clowntown now." The room fills with applause, and for a moment, it feels as if their parents' love is right there with them, in every laugh and every hug.
