Regina's Rainbow Rock

Regina loved visiting her Grandma’s house. It always smelled like sunshine and cinnamon, and the garden was full of buzzy bees and flowers that looked like tiny, colourful trumpets. Regina was a girl who looked after everyone. If a teddy bear fell down, she would tuck it into bed. If a flower drooped, she would give it a little drink of water. Her heart was full of cuddles and care.

But today, something was different. Grandma wasn’t humming in the kitchen or digging in her garden. She was sitting on the back step, looking at the clouds with a little frown. Her usual sunny smile was tucked away. Regina’s tummy did a little flip-flop. She knew straight away that her Grandma needed some cheering up.

Regina thought, 'What makes Grandma happy?' Her first idea was a big one: cookies! She rushed into the kitchen, pulling out bowls and spoons with a clatter and a bang. She mixed and stirred, making a happy 'mix, mix, mix' sound. But when she brought out a plate of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, Grandma only nibbled one corner and gave a tiny, wobbly smile. Regina's heart felt a little bit wobbly, too. Her cookie plan hadn't brought back the big smile.

Sitting beside her Grandma, Regina noticed the smooth, grey stones that lined the garden path. Suddenly, a new idea popped into her head like a fizzy bubble! She picked the roundest, smoothest stone she could find and scurried to the craft box. With a tiny brush, she painted bright stripes of red, yellow, and blue, making a quiet 'swish, swish, swish' sound. When she was done, she held a perfect little rainbow in her hand. She carefully carried it to her Grandma. 'I made you a happy rock,' she whispered. 'For holding when you feel a bit grey.'

Grandma took the little rainbow rock and held it in her palm. A real, proper smile, as bright as the sun, spread across her face. She pulled Regina into a giant hug that smelled like sunshine and cinnamon again. 'Oh, Regina,' she said, her voice full of warmth. 'This is the most wonderful present in the whole wide world.' Sitting there together, with the colourful rock warming in Grandma's hand, Regina knew that sometimes the smallest bit of colour and care can make the biggest difference.