The Power of a Simple Hello
by Aaron Aaronsen
It was a crisp December afternoon, and Monti J. Monti was walking through the bustling city center with his parents. The streets were lively with holiday shoppers, and the scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the cool winter air. Monti’s father carried a large paper bag filled with chocolate boxes for holiday gifts, while his mother admired the beautifully decorated shop windows.
Monti shuffled along beside them, kicking at the occasional pile of snow on the pavement. He wasn’t in the best mood, and it showed.
“Monti, look who’s over there!” his mother suddenly said, pointing ahead.
Monti looked up and saw Emma, one of his classmates, walking with her mother. Emma waved cheerfully when she spotted them, her breath forming little clouds in the cold air.
“Hi, Monti!” she called out with a smile.
But Monti just scowled and looked away, pretending not to hear her.
His parents exchanged glances but said nothing until Emma and her mother had walked past. Then his father crouched down to Monti’s level.
“Monti,” he said quietly, “that wasn’t very kind. Emma said hello to you, but you ignored her. Why didn’t you say hello back?”
Monti kicked at the snow again. “I don’t want to talk to her,” he muttered. “We had a fight at school. She called my drawing silly.”
His mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I see. That must have hurt your feelings. But does that mean you can’t be polite to her now?”
Monti shrugged, avoiding his parents’ eyes.
His father sighed and stood up. “Monti, do you know why saying hello is important?”
Monti shrugged again. “I don’t know. It’s just a word.”
His mother smiled softly. “It’s more than just a word, Monti. Saying hello is a way to show kindness and respect. It’s like opening a door—it invites someone into your world, even if just for a moment.”
“Think about this,” his father added. “When someone says hello to you, it means they’ve noticed you. They’re reaching out. Ignoring that is like closing the door in their face. How would you feel if Emma did that to you?”
Monti frowned, thinking about it. He imagined waving at Leo or Emma and them looking away without a word. It felt… cold.
They walked in silence for a bit before Monti finally spoke. “But what if I’m still mad at her? Doesn’t that make it okay to ignore her?”
His mother shook her head. “No, Monti. You can feel upset and still be kind. Saying hello doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten what happened or that you’re not hurt. It just shows you’re willing to treat others with respect, no matter what.”
His father chimed in, “And sometimes, a simple hello can be the start of fixing things. It shows you’re open to making things better.”
Monti chewed on his lip, considering their words.
Later, as they passed the market square, Monti saw Emma again. She was holding a big gingerbread cookie shaped like a reindeer, chatting happily with her mother.
This time, Monti hesitated, then called out, “Hi, Emma!”
Emma turned, surprised at first, but then she smiled. “Hi, Monti!”
As she waved back, Monti felt a strange warmth spread in his chest. It was as if the heavy knot he’d been carrying all day had started to loosen.
On the way home, Monti’s parents smiled at him. “That was very nice of you, Monti,” his mother said.
“It felt… good,” Monti admitted. “I was still a little mad, but when I said hello, it didn’t feel so bad anymore.”
His father nodded. “That’s the magic of kindness. It doesn’t just make others feel good—it can help you feel better, too.”
As they walked up the snowy path to their house, Monti thought about how small things—like a simple hello—could open the door to something better.
When he went to bed that night, he felt lighter, knowing he had done something kind, even when it wasn’t easy. And maybe, just maybe, tomorrow would be a little brighter because of it.
Welcome to the Zaubertales Advent Calendar 2024. This Christmas season, we are sharing the magical world of Monti J. Monti, our curious and courageous little hero. Each day in December brings a new short story filled with heartwarming adventures, meaningful lessons, and a touch of festive magic.
Our series is more than a collection of stories. It is an opportunity and invitation to join us in shaping Monti’s journey. As the stories unfold, we encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. What challenges should Monti face next? What should Monti’s world look like? What inspires you about his character? Together, we will create a hero who reflects the creativity and kindness of the Zaubertales community.
Zaubertales is dedicated to crafting stories that bring joy and learning to children and families. Through Monti’s adventures, we inspire laughter, spark meaningful conversations, and nurture imagination. Whether you read these stories during quiet evenings or share them as a family, they are designed to add wonder and delight to this special time of year.
We are thrilled to bring you this interactive storytelling experience. Let’s make this December a memorable celebration of joy, discovery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
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