Jay's Shell Game Secret

Jay loved the beach more than anywhere. The sun felt warm like a fuzzy blanket, and the sand squished perfectly between their toes. Jay, who always loved trying new things, had just finished a giant sandcastle with a moat and a seaweed flag. But now, a new adventure was calling. Their eyes scanned the shoreline, sparkling with little treasures the waves had left behind – swirly shells, smooth sea glass, and funny-shaped bits of driftwood.

Just then, Jay’s mates, Mia and Leo, ran down the beach. "Let's play Treasure Hunt!" Mia cheered. The rule was simple: find the most special, shiniest treasure, but you could only pick up one thing at a time. As they scattered, Jay, wanting to try a new 'super-fast' collecting method, waited until the others weren't looking. In one quick move, they scooped up a whole handful of sand and shells. Hidden in the handful was a perfect, rainbow-coloured shell that swirled like a tiny galaxy.

Jay quickly buried the other shells, holding up the amazing rainbow one. "I found it!" Jay called out. From far away, Leo shouted, "Wow, Jay! That's the best one!" A thrill of winning fizzed inside Jay, but it was quickly followed by a funny, wobbly feeling in their tummy. It felt like a little raincloud on a sunny day. Suddenly, holding the winning shell wasn't so much fun. The thought 'But I didn't follow the rule' kept popping into their head.

Jay looked at the beautiful shell, then at their friends still searching happily. The wobbly feeling grew. Jay remembered Mum saying that trying new things is great, but being honest with your mates feels even better. Taking a deep breath of salty air, Jay made a choice. They ran over to Mia and Leo, holding out the shell. "I have to tell you something," Jay said, their voice a little shaky. "I found this after I picked up a whole handful of shells at once. It wasn't fair play."

Mia and Leo looked at the shell, then at Jay’s honest face. Leo smiled. "That's a really cool shell," he said. "And it was really cool that you told us the truth." Mia nodded. "Let's put it on top of the sandcastle! Then we can start a new game, all together!" The wobbly feeling in Jay's tummy vanished, replaced by a warm, sunny feeling, much brighter than any shell. Playing fairly with friends, they realised, was the best treasure of all.