Tick-Tock was a little clock who lived on a cozy bedside table. He wasn't a fancy clock, just a simple blue one with friendly numbers. Tick-Tock had a very important job: to help Lily know when it was time for fun things, and when it was time to rest. But sometimes, Tick-Tock felt a little sad because he couldn't *do* those fun things himself!
One morning, Lily’s mama asked Tick-Tock to remind Lily it was time to help set the table for breakfast. “Tick-Tock, can you chime when it’s time?” she asked. Tick-Tock chimed happily! But Lily was busy building a tall tower of blocks and didn’t hear him the first time. Tick-Tock chimed again, and again, a little louder each time.
Finally, Lily looked up. “Oh! Tick-Tock is telling me it’s time to help!” She carefully put down her blocks and ran to help Mama set the table. Tick-Tock felt a warm glow. He wasn’t *doing* the setting, but he was helping it happen!
Later, it was time for Lily’s favorite playtime – building a fort! Tick-Tock reminded Lily that playtime was for one hour. Lily was so excited, she started building right away! She got lost in her fort-building, adding blankets and pillows. Tick-Tock gently chimed after a while.
“Hmm,” said Lily, looking at Tick-Tock. “Time to start cleaning up so we can have snack time!” It was a little hard to stop playing, but Lily knew Tick-Tock was right. She carefully put everything away, feeling proud she had followed the time.
As the sun began to set, Tick-Tock chimed softly. “It’s bedtime, Lily!” Lily yawned a big yawn. She brushed her teeth, put on her pajamas, and snuggled into bed. Tick-Tock glowed softly in the dark, reminding Lily that even though the day was over, he would be there to help her wake up for a brand new day.
Lily whispered, “Thank you, Tick-Tock, for helping me have a good day.” Tick-Tock felt the happiest he had ever felt. He learned that even though he couldn’t play or build, helping others was the most wonderful thing of all. And as Lily drifted off to sleep, Tick-Tock kept ticking, keeping time, and keeping watch over his little friend.