What if dinosaurs were still around, but hiding? Sophia wondered. She loved dinosaurs, especially the big ones with long necks! She imagined them munching on leaves in her backyard, their tails swishing gently.
"Mommy, can we go to the playground?" Sophia asked, tugging on her mom's shirt.
"Of course, sweetie," Mom smiled, putting down her book. "The playground always makes you happy, and happy Sophia makes Mommy happy!"
Sophia giggled. She knew being thankful made everyone feel good. She was grateful for her mommy, her toys, and even her fluffy slippers!
The playground was buzzing with kids. Sophia zoomed down the slide, her pigtails flying. But something shiny near the swings caught her eye. It was a bone, a really big bone, half-buried in the sand.
"Mommy, look!" Sophia shouted, pointing.
Mom gasped. "That looks like a dinosaur bone!"
Sophia’s eyes widened. Could it be? Could a real dinosaur be hiding nearby? She touched the bone gently. It felt rough and cool.
Suddenly, the bone started to glow! Sophia and Mom watched in amazement as a wispy figure rose from the ground. It was a friendly-looking dinosaur, but see-through like a cloud.
"Greetings!" The dinosaur boomed, his voice echoing. "I am Rex, and I'm so grateful you woke me up."
Sophia wasn't scared at all. "Wow, a talking dinosaur ghost! Why were you sleeping?" she asked.
"I was sad because nobody played with me anymore," Rex sighed. "Everyone forgot about dinosaurs."
“That’s not true!” Sophia exclaimed. “I love dinosaurs! They are amazing!”
Rex smiled. "You do? Then will you play with me?"
Sophia nodded excitedly. For the next hour, Sophia and Rex played tag, with Rex's ghostly tail whooshing behind him. Sophia learned that Rex loved to play hide-and-seek and tell silly jokes, just like her!
"This is the best day ever!" Sophia giggled, feeling grateful for her new friend.
As the sun began to set, Rex started to fade. "It's time for me to go back to sleep," he said. "But thank you for playing with me, Sophia. You reminded me how fun it is to have friends and be appreciated.”
“We’ll come visit you again, Rex!” Sophia promised, giving him an air hug.
Rex winked. “I'll be waiting! And Sophia…”
“Yes, Rex?”
“Thank you for reminding everyone about the joy of dinosaurs!”
As they walked home, Sophia's heart was full. She learned that showing gratitude, even to a dinosaur ghost, could bring so much joy. And she knew she would never forget her spooky, amazing adventure at the playground.
