Mandy the Monster Under My Bed

Mandy was playing in her room when she found a note from the invisible monster under her bed. The note said, 'I feel lonely because I can’t join your games.' Mandy wanted everyone, even the monster, to feel included. - Why can’t you join us? Mandy asked. But the monster didn’t reply, leaving Mandy puzzled. She decided to find a way to make the monster part of her fun.

Mandy thought of reading a story aloud so the monster could hear. But each time she read, the cats would knock the book over, making it hard to concentrate. - Stop it, you silly cats! Mandy giggled. She tried again, but the cats seemed to enjoy the game of knocking books more than listening. Mandy realized this wouldn’t work if the cats kept interrupting.

Next, Mandy decided to draw pictures, hoping the monster would like to see them. But every time she started, the crayons would roll under the bed. - Oh no, not again! Mandy sighed. She crawled under the bed to fetch the crayons, but it was too dark to see anything. She needed a new plan to make drawing work for everyone.

Mandy’s mom called her for dinner, and she felt too tired to keep trying. She sat on her bed, thinking about how to include the monster in her games. - Maybe it’s impossible, Mandy whispered sadly. She felt like giving up because nothing seemed to work. The monster remained silent, and Mandy didn’t know what to do next.

While Mandy was thinking, her cat Ginger jumped onto her lap with another note. It said, 'I love stories when you whisper them at night.' Mandy’s eyes lit up. - That’s it! she exclaimed. She realized she could whisper a bedtime story to include the monster. Mandy felt hopeful again, ready to try her new idea.

That night, Mandy snuggled into bed and whispered a story, just loud enough for the monster to hear. The cats curled up beside her, listening quietly. - I hope you like this story, Mandy said softly. She felt the warmth of friendship filling the room. For the first time, everyone seemed to be part of the same adventure.

The next morning, Mandy found a thank-you note from the monster. It said, 'I loved the story, and I felt included.' Mandy was overjoyed. - You’re welcome! she replied happily. She realized that even small efforts could make a big difference. Mandy learned that being friendly and tolerant made everyone feel like family.

From then on, Mandy always included the monster in her bedtime stories. The monster would leave little notes of thanks, and the cats became less mischievous. - We’re all friends now, Mandy declared. Her room felt like a magical place where everyone belonged. Mandy knew she had learned something important about friendship and acceptance.