On a warm summer morning, the beach was glowing under the bright sunshine. The birds were singing joyously, and the waves rhythmically danced on the shore. But amidst all this happiness, a little seagull named Sandy was feeling quite worried.
“Will today really be a fun day for everyone?” she pondered, gazing at her little brother Billy who was happily flapping his wings. All her family, Mama, Papa, and Grandma Seagull, were excitedly preparing for a beach day. Each was gathering things—buckets, fish, and old sandcastle tools.
As they took off together, Sandy declared, “I hope this beach day is fun for everyone!” However, her heart was heavy with doubt.
Sandy watched the beach approach and noticed it wasn’t the same without her bird friends. “Mama, can my friends come too?” she asked anxiously.
“Of course, dear! Just call them,” Mama replied kindly.
Sandy began to call her friends right after they landed. Soon enough, all her bird pals joined her: Peter the Pelican, Rosie the Robin, Tilly the Tern, and many others. But Sandy remained uneasy, worrying, “What if my family and my friends don’t have fun together?”
“Why don’t we play hide-and-seek?” suggested Tilly, flapping her wings with excitement.
Papa Seagull, overhearing the suggestion, added, “And we can build sandcastles too! How about a bucket of fish for the winners?”
With the idea of sharing a bucket of fish, everyone eagerly decided to join in. They played and laughed, creating heaps of delightful sandcastles while the little ones splashed in the frothy waves. Sandy’s spirit began to lift, but she still wanted to ensure everyone was having a good time.
Spotting Billy alone, busy building his castle without much enthusiasm, she asked, “Why aren’t you joining in the games?”
“I don’t know how to play,” Billy responded, his tiny voice filled with uncertainty.
“Oh, I’ll teach you,” Sandy offered, her face lighting up. As soon as she showed him a few games, Billy understood and soon found himself surrounded by friends, playing joyfully, his blue eyes sparkling with happiness.
Later that afternoon, Grandma Seagull gathered everyone. “Will you be quiet a minute, all of you?” she said. “I want to tell you a story.”
“Tilly’s story this morning was much prettier!” whispered Billy to Sandy, slightly anxious.
“Yes, but Grandma’s stories are nice too,” Sandy replied.
Grandma started her story, and her grandchildren, including little Billy, listened with wonder as she told tales of their ancestors—old Grandad Seagull who flew in a great storm to save Mrs. Seal.
The sun began to sink into the sea, turning the waves golden, and everyone grew kindly tired after the eventful day. Sandy felt relieved and happy, and she knew her worry the night before had been for nothing: it had been a splendid beach day for both her family and her friends.
And what Sandy learned that day was a sweet and simple truth: that being together with loved ones, enjoying each other’s company and laughter, is the secret to happiness.