Tommy wakes up. It is morning. The sun is bright. Tommy rubs his eyes. He hears a noise. It is the vacuum cleaner. “Vroom, vroom,” it says. Tommy feels scared. He holds his blanket tight.
“Mommy, I'm scared,” Tommy says. Mommy comes close. She sits beside Tommy. “It is okay, Tommy,” she says softly. “The vacuum is loud, but it cannot hurt you. I am here.”
Tommy listens. The vacuum is still loud. “Vroom, vroom.” Tommy's hands shake. He wants to hide. Mommy hugs him. “Let's listen together,” she says. She puts her arm around Tommy. “The vacuum is cleaning the floor,” Mommy says. “It helps keep our house nice.”
Tommy peeks at the vacuum. It moves back and forth. “Vroom, vroom,” it says. Tommy feels a little better. Mommy smiles. “Would you like to watch with me?” she asks. Tommy nods.
Tommy and Mommy watch. The vacuum goes “vroom, vroom.” Tommy holds Mommy's hand. He feels safe. “Thank you, Mommy,” Tommy says. “I was scared.”
Mommy kisses Tommy's head. “It's okay to be scared,” she says. “You can always tell me. I will help you.” Tommy smiles. He feels brave.
The vacuum stops. It is quiet now. Tommy looks around. The room is clean. Tommy stands up. He claps his hands. “All done!” he says.
Mommy hugs Tommy. “You did it, Tommy. You were brave.” Tommy laughs. He feels happy.
Tommy remembers: When he is scared, he can tell Mommy. Mommy helps. Tommy is not alone.
Tommy feels safe. Tommy feels loved. Tommy is ready for a good day.
