Write a story about a 3 year old asking his mom if he could feel the lymph nodes in her neck to figure out why she has a softer voice
Once upon a sunny afternoon in a cozy little house, three-year-old Oliver was playing with his colorful blocks, building a tower that reached up to the clouds, or at least, that’s what his imagination told him. His mother, Sarah, was nearby, sipping on a warm cup of tea, her soft voice humming a lullaby as she tidied up the room.
Oliver admired his mom’s gentle tone, which today sounded a bit softer than usual. “Mommy, why does your voice sound like a fluffy cloud?” he asked, tilting his head quizzically, his tiny brow scrunching in thought.
Sarah chuckled softly, a hint of a smile dancing on her lips. “Oh sweetheart, sometimes my voice gets softer when I’m a little tired or if I’ve been talking a lot. It’s nothing to worry about!” She ruffled his hair affectionately, but Oliver wasn’t completely convinced.
His little mind raced with curiosity. “But… but can I feel your neck?” he pressed, standing on his tiptoes, his big brown eyes wide with eagerness. “I wanna see your lymph nodes!”
“Lymph nodes?” Sarah repeated, her heart swelling with love for her inquisitive boy. “Well, they’re tiny glands in your body. They help protect you from getting sick.”
“Can I touch them?” he asked, his voice bubbling with excitement like a fizzy drink. “I wanna see if you have some in your neck that make your voice softer!”
With a chuckle, Sarah nodded, kneeling down so she was at eye level with him. “Alright, kiddo. But remember, they’re very small, like little peas.”
Oliver’s cheeks flushed with joy as Sarah gently tilted her head to give him better access. With the utmost care, he placed his tiny fingers on her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin. “I feel them, Mommy! They’re so tiny and funny!” he squealed, a grin spreading across his face.
She laughed, watching his face light up with wonder. “Yes, you’re really good at this! Just like a little doctor!”
His fingers danced along her neck as he concentrated, his world swirling with curiosity. “Does it hurt when I touch them?” he asked, his brow furrowing again, concern knitting his innocent features.
“No, sweetheart,” Sarah reassured him, placing her hand over his. “They’re just doing their job to keep me healthy. Just like how you eat your veggies and take your naps.”
Oliver nodded, trying to remember if he had been a good boy that day. “I eat my broccoli, Mommy! And I do nap sometimes!” He leaned closer, pretending to examine her carefully, his little tongue poking out in concentration.
After a few moments of serious “doctor work,” he pulled back, satisfied with his findings. “Mommy, I think you’re okay! Your voice is softer because you’re just being a soft cloud!”
Sarah’s heart melted. “That’s exactly right, Oliver! I’m just a soft cloud today.” She opened her arms, inviting him for a hug, and he flew into her embrace, giggling.
As they held each other, Oliver felt warm and safe. Even though he didn’t completely understand all the science behind the lymph nodes, he knew in his heart that his mommy was just fine.
“Maybe tomorrow we can play doctor again?” he suggested, peeking up at her.
“Absolutely, my little doctor!” Sarah replied, planting a kiss on his forehead. “Next time, we can also check if I have a soft heart, too.”
And with that, the two of them spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and building towers, the sound of their joyful voices echoing like music throughout their lovely home.
In that moment, Oliver realized the happiest voices were always the ones shared in love, not just the sound but the warmth they carried, making every day a little brighter than the last.