The New Kid at Biscuit's Party
Have you ever been the new kid?
Have you ever been the new kid? The one standing at the edge of the fun, not quite sure how to join in? That was Sam, the shy boy with bright red hair who had just moved in next door to Mister Thompson. And on Biscuit the dog's seventh birthday, a sunny Saturday, Atharva and Ashi were about to meet him, at the biggest backyard party on the block.
Balloons swayed over the fence, and music floated through the air. In the Thompson's backyard, Mister Thompson himself handed them each a party hat.
Mister Thompson: "Welcome, boys! The birthday dog is waiting!"
Biscuit, the golden dog, trotted over wearing a tiny blue birthday hat, wagging so hard his whole body wiggled. Ashi giggled and hugged him.
Ashi: "Happy birthday, Biscuit!"
But near the lemonade table, someone wasn't smiling. A small boy with red hair and freckles stood by himself, clutching nothing, watching the other kids laugh.
Mister Thompson: "That's Sam," (whispering)
Mister Thompson: "He moved in next door last week. He didn't know Biscuit, so he came without a gift, and now he's too shy to join in."
Atharva looked at Ashi. Both brothers felt a tug in their hearts.
Atharva walked over with a big smile.
Atharva: "Hi, Sam! I'm Atharva, and this is my little brother Ashi."
Sam shuffled his feet.
Sam: "I don't belong here," (mumbling)
Sam: "Everyone brought Biscuit a present, and I don't even know him."
Ashi tilted his head.
Ashi: "Do you like dogs?"
Sam nodded, just a little.
Ashi: "Then you DO belong here,"
Ashi: "Biscuit likes everybody."
The brothers had an idea. They pulled Sam to the craft table, where kids were making birthday cards for Biscuit.
Atharva: "Let's make one together,"
Atharva: "the biggest, silliest card ever!"
Sam's eyes lit up. He drew Biscuit with a cape, flying like a superhero, and wrote in wobbly letters:
Sam: "You are the best dog in the whole wide world." (reading his card aloud)
Mister Thompson: "Time for presents!" (calling)
Sam stepped forward, braver now, and held up their giant card.
Sam: "This is for you, Biscuit!"
The old man's eyes went soft.
Mister Thompson: "Why, this is the finest gift of all," (reading every word aloud)
The whole backyard cheered, and Biscuit licked Sam's cheek, which made everyone laugh and laugh.
When the birthday cake came out with seven candles, Sam sat right between the brothers, singing louder than anyone. Mister Thompson ruffled his red hair.
Mister Thompson: "Glad you came, Sam," (warmly)
Mister Thompson: "A party is only a party when everyone feels welcome."
Atharva nudged Ashi and whispered,
Atharva: "See? The best gift wasn't wrapped at all. It was making someone feel like they belong."
And so the brothers learned that kindness means making room for everyone, because the kindest gift you can give is making someone feel like they belong. Tomorrow night, Atharva and Ashi are visiting Missus Hart's garden, and something very strange is growing there! Good night, sleep tight. And keep learning, and subscribe to A two Quest dot com.
The lesson: And so the brothers learned that kindness means making room for everyone, because the kindest gift you can give is making someone feel like they belong.