Emily, a bright-eyed six-year-old, sits at the table, swinging her feet and observing her parents. Mrs. Carter, her mother, pours juice with a warm smile, while Mr. Carter, her father, flips pancakes at the stove.
"Mommy, can I help you set the table tomorrow?"
"Of course, Emily! That would be wonderful," she replies, giving her daughter an encouraging wink.
Mrs. Carter[/@ch_2] and Mr. Carter over a misplaced bill, their voices barely above a whisper, but their faces tense.]
"I told you I left it on the counter, but you never listen," Mr. Carter mutters, frustration flickering in his eyes.
"Maybe if you were a bit more organized, we wouldn’t keep losing things," Mrs. Carter snaps back.
Emily glances down, her small hands twisting in her lap as she absorbs the tension in the room.
Emily[/@ch_1] sits with her friend Lucas, playing with dolls. The air is filled with the gentle murmur of their voices.]
"I told you I left it here, but you never listen," Emily says, mimicking her father’s tone as she moves the dolls.
"Well, maybe if you were more organized, we wouldn’t lose things," Lucas replies, copying the earlier conversation.
Their play quickly turns sour, the dolls set aside as the children grow frustrated, echoing the adults’ earlier conflict.
Mrs. Carter[/@ch_2] notices Emily's distant mood and sits beside her, concern etched on her face.]
"Emily, is something bothering you?"
"You and Daddy were upset this morning. I was too," Emily confides, eyes brimming with emotion.
Mr. Carter joins them, his expression softening as he realizes the impact of their actions.
Emily[/@ch_1]. The room feels safe and intimate, illuminated by a warm table lamp.]
"We’re sorry, Emily. Sometimes grown-ups forget that our words matter,"
"We’ll try to be kinder and more patient—with each other, and with you,"
Emily nods, a small smile returning to her face as her parents hug her close.
"Thank you for helping, Emily,"
"You did a wonderful job,"
Emily beams, her heart light, watching and learning as her parents show her the power of kindness, honesty, and patience—lessons she will carry with her as she grows.
