The Red Bridge
An original Tuck In Books story

Nell the rabbit had made a bridge from three red blocks. It was just wide enough for her little wooden bus. Kit wanted the bus too. He reached across the bridge. Nell pulled it back. “I am using it,” she said.

Kit felt a hot, tight feeling in his tummy. His paws curled up. He wanted the bus right now. Papa moved close and gently stopped Kit’s paw before it reached Nell. “I won’t let you hit,” he said. “I will help you.”

Nell moved her bridge to the other side of the rug. Papa stayed beside Kit. “You really wanted a turn.” Kit nodded hard. “I did!” He pushed his paws into the soft cushion. Papa waited. The bus rolled over Nell’s bridge with a tiny clack.

After a while, Kit’s paws opened. “What can I say?” he asked. Papa helped him try: “Can I have a turn when you are done?” Nell looked up. “After one more trip.” Papa stayed close while Kit waited.

Kit found a blue block. Then another. He made a road leading toward the red bridge. “Your bus can come this way,” he told Nell. “If you want.” Nell drove the bus to the end of the bridge and handed it over.

The next morning, waiting felt hard again. Kit’s paws curled. This time, he looked for Papa. “Help me wait.” Papa came to the rug. Kit was still cross. He could be cross and keep Nell safe. The blue road was waiting for him.

The End

A few words for tonight
- Read when everyone is safe and settled.
- Choose one phrase: “Help me wait.”
- Let a toy character practice asking a grown-up for help.

Read more: https://www.tuckinbooks.com/stories/hitting/
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