The Silver Pond

Kick, scramble, hop! I popped out of the fuzzy slipper and skittered across the cool kitchen tiles. Right under the chair leg lay a giant silver soup ladle, round and polished like a tiny pond. I rushed over with my arms wide open! But when I peeked into the deep metal bowl, the green face looking back wasn't smiling. Its mouth curved all the way down into a quiet frown! I jumped left. It jumped left. I wiggled my bow tie, but it stayed totally gloomy. I sat down and tapped the cold, shiny rim with my stubby fingers. You don't have to smile if you're not ready. We just sat there together.