Today Latifa is hosting a tea party! Cups set out, cookies on the plate. Latifa gives the little bow tie one last straighten — now that's a proper little host.
The guests are here: Teddy, Bunny, and Robot, each on a soft cushion with a tiny cup. Latifa spreads both arms wide and calls, "Welcome, welcome! Let the tea party begin!"
"Cookies, mine! Tea, mine!" Latifa grabs it all and hugs it tight. But wait… Teddy slumps, Bunny's ears droop, Robot's eyes go dim. Why does the party feel no fun at all?
Then Latifa remembers something Mom said — there are magic words! The moment you say them, things start to sparkle. Latifa sits up very straight. "Let's try one right now!"
Magic word one: "Please." Hands folded sweetly: "Bunny, may I please have a cookie?" Ting! Bunny's tall ears perk right up, the cookie plate slides to the middle, and golden sparkles dance over the table.
Magic word two: "Thank you." Robot pours the tea without spilling a single drop. "Thank you for the tea, Robot!" His button eyes light up like little stars, and the steam curls happily from the cup.
Oh no! Reaching too fast, Latifa tips a teacup all over Teddy. Poor Teddy sits there dripping, tea on his soft tummy, and the sparkles start to fade. Latifa's cheeks go hot. What now…
Magic word three, said softly: "I'm sorry, Teddy." A gentle wipe with the napkin, then a great big hug — Teddy's smile grows bigger and bigger, and rosy sparkles bloom all around him!
Teddy sends back a great big thank-you, and Latifa knows just what to say: "You're welcome!" Whoosh — the whole table lights up, and everyone raises a tiny cup. "To the best tea party ever!"
The party is over. Latifa tucks the friends in a cozy row and whispers the day's treasures one more time: "Please, thank you, sorry, you're welcome." Four little sparkles drift up like fireflies. "Goodnight, magic words."