Part One
Tommy wakes to soft lights. The tree glows. Stockings hang. The house smells like cinnamon. A tiny giggle floats by the door.
An elf in a green hat tiptoes on the table. He is the Mischief Elf. He smiles and sneaks. He sees the basket of cookies by the chair. "Oh!" he whispers. He moves the basket to the top of the bookshelf. He giggles. He hides behind a mitten.
Tommy rubs his eyes. He is three. He loves cookies. He looks for the basket. It is not by the chair. He looks under the table. He looks behind the couch. He says, "Where is the basket?"
His mother hums in the kitchen. The twinkling lights make the room feel warm. Tommy takes a deep breath. He is small, but he feels brave. He says, "I will find it." He takes a tiny step. He is brave.
Part Two
Tommy walks slowly. He looks up, up, up. The bookshelf is tall. The elf peeks and holds his belly to stop laughing. The elf nearly drops a crumb. Tommy points. "There!" he says.
The elf hops down. He says, "Hello, Tommy!" He looks sorry and silly. Tommy smiles. He is still brave. He climbs on a pillow. He stretches on his tiptoes. He reaches the basket. It wobbles. The elf helps.
They sing a short song: "Up, up, down, down, cookies for us!" Their voices are soft and bright. The elf slips and laughs. Tommy steadies the basket. He feels proud. His hands are small and strong.
The elf's eyes shine. "Thank you," he whispers. "I wanted a game." Tommy nods. "Games are fun," he says. "But tell me first next time." The elf nods and hugs a small bell.
Part Three
They walk to the chair together. Tommy places the basket by the chair. His mother sees them and claps softly. The house is full of gentle light. The elf sprinkles tiny sparkles. Tommy shares a cookie with him. They giggle.
That night Tommy lays in bed. The tree hums a quiet song. He feels warm and brave. The elf tiptoes to the windowsill and waves. "Good night, Tommy," he whispers.
Tommy closes his eyes. He remembers the tall shelf, the wobbly basket, and the brave climb. He smiles. He sleeps with a brave heart and a soft, merry dream.
