Lindsey and the Listening Tree

Lindsey loved playing with her friends at school. She always had exciting games to play. But sometimes, she didn't listen to what her friends wanted. One day, Lindsey invented a game where everyone had to pretend to be pirates. Her friends wanted to play something else.

Her friends said, "No, Lindsey, we want to play tag!" Lindsey frowned and crossed her arms. "But my game is more fun!" she insisted. One by one, her friends wandered off to play their own games. Lindsey was left all alone.

Lindsey tried to join in other games, but her friends were busy. She sat under the big oak tree, feeling sad. "I just wanted to have fun," Lindsey whispered. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above her. "Maybe no one will ever want to play with me again," she worried.

Suddenly, Lindsey heard a soft voice. "Why do you look so glum?" it asked. Lindsey looked around but saw no one. "Who's there?" she called out. "It's me, the Listening Tree," the voice replied from the swaying branches.

"I've never heard a tree talk before," Lindsey said. "I can only talk to those who need to hear," the tree replied. Lindsey listened as the tree told stories of wisdom. "Listening is a gift," it said. Lindsey nodded, feeling curious.

Lindsey returned to the schoolyard, ready to try again. She saw her friends playing hopscotch. "Can I join?" Lindsey asked. Her friends hesitated. "Will you listen this time?" they asked.

Lindsey promised to listen. She played hopscotch, following the rules. Her friends smiled and clapped. "This is fun!" Lindsey laughed. She was happy to be included.

But soon, Lindsey wanted to switch games again. "Let's play pirates!" she suggested. Her friends shook their heads. "We want to keep playing hopscotch," they said firmly. Lindsey felt torn.

Lindsey sat under the tree again. "Why won't they listen to me?" she asked. "Did you listen to them?" the Listening Tree replied. Lindsey thought about it. "Maybe I need to try harder," she admitted.

The next day, Lindsey approached her friends. "Can we play what you want first?" she asked. Her friends were surprised. "Sure," they agreed. Lindsey joined in their games, truly listening this time.

Lindsey found joy in their games too. She laughed and played tag, having the best time. Her friends were glad to have her back. Lindsey realized listening made everyone happy. "This is what I've been missing," she thought.

One day, Lindsey decided to share her pirate game again. "Do you want to try this after hopscotch?" she asked. Her friends nodded. "We'll play your game too," they agreed. Lindsey was thrilled.

Lindsey and her friends pretended to sail the seas. They laughed, pretending to be pirates. "Arrr, matey!" Lindsey called out. Her friends joined in, playing and having fun together. Lindsey felt proud.

Lindsey learned wisdom from the Listening Tree. She understood the power of listening. Her friends appreciated her more. "I'm glad I listened," Lindsey said. The tree whispered, "Wisdom is listening."