Leo loved winter! He loved building snow forts, making snow angels, and especially catching snowflakes on his brand-new mittens. These weren’t just any mittens; they were Mush Mittens! They were super soft and fluffy, and Leo’s grandma said they were made with a little bit of magic.
One sunny afternoon, Leo was running and jumping, trying to catch as many snowflakes as he could. He giggled as they landed on his Mush Mittens. But as he played, he noticed something sad. Little sparkles were falling *off* his mittens! The snowflakes were melting and disappearing.
Leo’s face crumpled. “Oh no!” he cried. “I’m losing the snowflakes! I’m not being careful enough!” He sat down in the snow, feeling very upset. Mush Mittens seemed to wiggle a little, as if trying to comfort him.
Suddenly, Leo heard a tiny voice. “Don’t worry, little one!” It was a tiny snowflake, clinging to Mush Mittens. “We’re very delicate. You need to hold us gently, and keep us warm.”
Leo looked at his mittens. They *were* a little rough around the edges. He carefully smoothed out the fluffy parts, making a cozy little nest for the snowflakes. He held his hands very still, and slowly, more snowflakes landed on Mush Mittens.
This time, Leo didn’t run and jump. He walked slowly, admiring each tiny snowflake. He noticed how each one was different and beautiful. He realized that being careful and gentle was the best way to enjoy them.
He spent a long time watching the snowflakes, and even though some still melted, he didn’t feel sad anymore. He was happy to have shared a little bit of winter magic with them. He learned that even tiny, delicate things deserve our kindness and care.
When it was time to go inside, Leo carefully blew a kiss to the remaining snowflakes on his Mush Mittens. “Thank you for the fun,” he whispered. He knew he would always remember to be gentle and appreciate the beauty of winter, thanks to Mush Mittens and the lost snowflakes. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams of snowflakes and fluffy mittens.