The Two Sisters and a Father's Wise Heart

Two sisters, Layla and Amy, wanted to prepare the perfect welcome for their father returning from a long journey. One worked tirelessly on a huge feast, while the other prepared a simpler, more personal surprise. Which welcome did their father love most?

A long time ago, a merchant named Arthur had two loving daughters, Layla and Amy. One day, Arthur had to leave for a long business trip. His daughters missed him very much and decided to give him an unforgettable welcome when he returned. Layla, the older sister, decided to show her love through hard work. All day on her father's return, she cleaned the house from top to bottom until it sparkled. She then spent hours in the kitchen preparing a ten-course feast, working so hard that she was exhausted and covered in flour by the end.

Amy, the younger sister, chose a different way. She tidied up the living room, baked only her father's favorite cookies, and spent the rest of her time drawing a beautiful picture of their family. When she was done, she cleaned herself up, put on her prettiest dress, and waited excitedly for her father by the door.

When Arthur returned, the first person he saw was Layla, looking very tired. He hugged her and said gently, "My dear, you look so tired! You must have worked too hard for me." Then he saw Amy, who ran for a big hug, gave him her drawing, and offered him a cookie. They sat and talked happily about his trip. The next day, Arthur brought both daughters together. He praised Layla's magnificent feast and hard work, and he praised Amy's thoughtful drawing and cookies. Then he said, "You both showed me great love. But I have learned that the greatest gift isn't just a clean house or a big meal, but the happy time we spend together. Balance is most important." He hung Amy's picture in the center of the room, and all three of them enjoyed the rest of Layla's delicious feast together.

🎯 Values and Lessons Learned

• Love is Shown in Many Ways: Both hard work (service) and quality time (connection) are valid ways to show affection.
• The Importance of Balance: It's good to work hard for others, but it's also important to save energy to enjoy time with them.
• Thoughtfulness Over Quantity: A small, personal gift (a favorite cookie, a drawing) can be just as meaningful as a huge feast.
• Understanding What Truly Matters: The story teaches that the most precious thing is to understand what makes our loved ones happy, which is often just our presence.

Questions to Understand the Story

1. What were the two sisters, Layla and Amy, preparing for?
2. How did Layla show her love for her father?
3. What did Amy do to welcome her father home?
4. What did the father say when he saw Layla looking so tired?
5. What was the final lesson the father taught his daughters?

Questions to Make You Think

1. Do you think Layla's way or Amy's way was better? Or were they both good in different ways?
2. If you were welcoming someone home, what would you do to make them feel special?
3. What does it mean to find a "balance" between working hard for someone and spending time with them?

Questions for Real Life

1. Think of a family member. What is one thing you could *do* for them and one way you could *spend time* with them to show you care?
2. What is your favorite "small but special" thing someone does for you? (e.g., a hug, a story).
3. Next time you want to give a gift, think about what the person would truly enjoy, not just what seems biggest or best.

🎨 Fun Activities

• Design a Welcome Card: Draw or create a "Welcome Home" card for a family member. Make it personal by drawing their favorite things.
• Favorite Things List: Make a list of your family members. Next to each name, write their favorite simple thing (favorite cookie, favorite song).
• Act of Love Coupon: Create a "coupon" for a family member that says "This coupon is good for one big hug" or "Good for help with one chore."