The Early Bird Clock

Tom woke on New Year’s morning with a puff of excitement. He was seven and had a bright idea. "This year," he told his stuffed rabbit, "I will be an early bird! I will wake up early and have more time for school and play."

That afternoon his grandma gave him a present. It was a little alarm clock shaped like a bird. Its round face was yellow, its wings ticked when it moved, and a tiny beak smiled at Tom. On the front were two painted eyes that seemed to blink. "I’m the Early Bird Clock," it chirped in a tiny, cheerful voice when Tom pressed a button. "Good morning, Tom! We’ll practice together."

That night Tom set a bedtime and set the Early Bird Clock for a gentle time. He brushed his teeth, put on his pajamas, and tucked his rabbit under his arm. The house was soft and quiet. "We can do this," said the clock. "One early morning at a time."

The first morning the alarm sang, "Chirp-chirp, rise and shine!" Tom’s eyes blinked open. He wanted to press the snooze button and sleep more. The clock tilted its tiny head. "A small stretch, a deep breath, and up you go," it said. Tom swung his feet to the floor, put on his slippers, and made his bed. The room felt calm and bright. He had time for a quick banana and to pack his school bag with his favorite pencil. He walked to the bus stop with the sun yawning behind the houses.

Some days were easy. Some mornings Tom’s pillow felt extra cozy. On those days the snooze button still sang softly. "Remember why you wanted this," chirped the clock. "Playtime after school, quiet reading before breakfast, and the chance to see the dewdrops on the grass." Thinking of the green grass and a ball game after school, Tom rubbed his eyes and climbed out of bed.

Each week Tom practiced. He and the Early Bird Clock made a little routine: wash, dress, eat, and pack. Tom learned to put his shoes in the right place and sharpen his pencils the night before. When he felt proud, the clock spun a tiny wing and told a cheerful, proud chirp. His mornings became less hurried and more gentle.

One bright Saturday, Tom woke up before the alarm. He tiptoed to the window and watched the sky change colors. He whispered, "Good morning, sun!" Then he jumped on his bike and rode to the park. He had extra time to play catch and to listen to songs birds were singing. It felt like a secret, happy club.

At school Tom was calmer. He raised his hand with confidence. He was not rushed or grumpy. He smiled at friends and had time to draw a picture during break. His teacher said, "You look ready for the day, Tom!" and Tom beamed.

Weeks turned into months, and the Early Bird Clock sat by Tom’s bed, wings still ticking. On New Year’s Eve the following year, Tom thought about his first morning. He hugged his little clock. "Thank you for helping me, Early Bird," he said. The clock chirped softly, proud and tiny. Tom knew he still liked long naps sometimes, but he also knew how good it felt to have calm, bright mornings. He had learned that practicing a little bit every day can make big, happy changes.