In the cheerful town of Sunnybrook, Valentine’s Day was everyone’s favorite day of the year. Children made colorful cards, bakeries filled the air with the smell of heart-shaped cookies, and bright red balloons bobbed in every shop window.
But no one loved Valentine’s Day more than Lucy, a curious girl with bouncing curls, and her best friend, Max, a friendly puppy who wagged his tail so much it looked like a helicopter blade.
This year, Lucy had a plan.
“I’m going to make a Valentine’s Day surprise for the whole class!” she told Max.
Max barked excitedly, which Lucy took as: Great idea! Let’s do it!
Lucy worked all afternoon. She drew hearts, glued tiny sparkles, and added cheerful messages like “You’re Awesome!” and “Thanks for Being You!” Max helped by handing her crayons—although sometimes he chewed them by mistake.
On Valentine’s Day morning, Lucy carried a giant red box filled with cards to school. Max trotted beside her with a shiny ribbon tied around his collar.
When Lucy arrived, she suddenly felt nervous.
“What if my cards aren’t good enough?” she whispered to Max.
Max nudged her hand gently. Woof! (which definitely meant: You made them with love—of course they’re good!)
Inside the classroom, everyone buzzed with excitement. Valentine’s Day music played softly, and the teacher, Mrs. Green, wore heart-shaped earrings that jingled when she walked.
Lucy lifted the lid of her big red box.
“I made a Valentine for each of you,” she said shyly.
Her classmates gasped in delight.
“That’s so kind!”
“They’re beautiful!”
“I love the sparkles!”
Even Mrs. Green smiled warmly. “Lucy, this is a wonderful surprise. Thank you for sharing kindness with all of us today.”
Lucy’s cheeks turned pink—happy pink, not embarrassed pink.
Just then, Max barked and trotted to the center of the room, where he plopped down a final surprise: a big, glittery card he and Lucy had made together for Mrs. Green. It had a paw print on it.
Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Green gave Max a gentle pat.
The whole class spent the day exchanging cards, decorating cookies, and sharing stories about friendship. Lucy realized something important:
Valentine’s Day wasn’t just about hearts or sparkles—it was about making people feel loved and included.
And as the school day ended, Max gave Lucy’s hand a lick. She giggled.
“It really was the best Valentine’s Day surprise.” she said.