Sophia skipped into the backyard, her bright red toothbrush clutched in her hand. "Ready to brush our teeth under the stars, Dad?" she giggled. It was a silly game, but Sophia loved brushing her teeth outside with her dad.
Dad winked. "Only if you promise not to let the tooth-fairy take it for a ride!"
Sophia giggled again and squeezed her toothbrush tight. She loved when Dad told her stories about the tooth fairy. He said she flew faster than a race car!
Suddenly, the bushes rustled! A tall figure in a pointy hat stepped into the light. He had a long white beard and a twinkle in his eye.
"Well, hello there!" the man boomed. "Didn't expect to see a tea party with a toothbrush tonight!"
Sophia hid behind her dad’s legs, a little scared. “Who are you?” she peeped.
“I’m Merlin!” he said with a flourish. “A magician! But you, little one, can call me Mr. M!”
“A magician?” Sophia’s eyes widened. Maybe he could make her toothbrush fly like the tooth fairy! She peeked out from behind her Dad.
Mr. M chuckled. "You know, brushing your teeth is magical! It keeps those pearly whites sparkling like stars!" He wiggled his fingers and suddenly, Sophia's toothbrush was sparkling too! It glowed with a soft, blue light.
"Wow!" Sophia gasped. She grabbed the toothbrush. It felt warm in her hand.
"Now," Mr. M said, lowering his voice to a whisper. "This toothbrush has a secret. It only talks to brave children who brush their teeth really well. Do you think you’re brave enough?”
Sophia puffed out her chest. “I’m very brave! And I always brush my teeth! Right, Dad?”
Dad laughed. "That's my girl! She’s as brave as a lion, especially when it comes to brushing!”
Sophia took her toothbrush and started brushing, making sure to reach every corner, just like her dad taught her. She brushed and brushed, her eyes on the sparkling toothbrush.
Suddenly, a tiny voice squeaked, "Helloooo!"
Sophia gasped. It was the toothbrush! “You can talk?!”
“Only to special kids like you,” the toothbrush squeaked. “You have a super-duper smile! Keep up the great brushing!”
Sophia beamed. She brushed even harder, making sure her teeth sparkled like the stars above. Mr. M, the magician, clapped his hands, making sparks fly from his fingertips.
“You’re a natural!” Mr. M boomed. “Remember, a clean smile is a magic trick all on its own!” And with a puff of sparkly smoke, he disappeared back into the bushes.
Sophia and her dad looked at each other, their mouths wide open in surprise. Then, they both burst out laughing. Sophia knew she would never forget this magical night in the backyard. From then on, whenever she brushed her teeth, she imagined her toothbrush whispering secrets, reminding her that a bright smile was the best magic trick of all.
