Tick-Tock was a very important clock. He lived on the mantelpiece in Lily’s bedroom and told everyone when it was time for fun, time for stories, and most importantly, time for bed! But Tick-Tock had a secret. He *loved* wearing socks. Not on his hands, of course, but he liked to keep his little clock feet warm and cozy. He had a whole drawer full of colorful, stripy, spotty socks!
One morning, Lily noticed something strange. Socks were everywhere! Under the bed, behind the curtains, even inside her toy box! “Tick-Tock,” she asked, “have you been playing with my socks?” Tick-Tock’s pendulum swung back and forth nervously. “Well… yes,” he admitted. “But I can’t find them all! They seem to have… disappeared!”
Lily giggled. “Disappeared? Socks don’t just disappear, Tick-Tock!” But when they looked in his sock drawer, it was almost empty. Tick-Tock felt terrible. He was supposed to be responsible and keep track of time, but he couldn’t even keep track of his socks! He started to feel very sad.
Just then, Barnaby Bear, Lily’s favorite teddy, waddled over. “What’s wrong, Tick-Tock?” he asked kindly. Lily explained about the missing socks. Barnaby smiled. “Don’t worry! We can help! Let’s be sock detectives!”
So, Lily, Barnaby, and Tick-Tock searched high and low. They looked under the rug, inside Lily’s boots, and even in the cookie jar (just in case!). Slowly, one by one, they found the socks. A stripy sock behind the bookshelf, a spotty sock under the chair, and a bright red sock peeking out from under Lily’s pillow.
Finally, they found the very last sock! Tick-Tock was so relieved. “Thank you, Lily and Barnaby!” he chimed. “I learned that it’s important to be responsible with my things, and it’s wonderful to have friends who help you when you need it.”
Lily helped Tick-Tock neatly fold all his socks and put them back in his drawer. “Now you won’t lose them again,” she said. Tick-Tock smiled. He knew that even a very important clock sometimes needs a little help from his friends. And as he ticked and tocked, he reminded Lily it was almost bedtime. Time to snuggle up and dream sweet dreams, knowing that even lost socks can be found with a little help and a lot of friendship.