Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived six special minerals: Quartz, Graphite, Bismuth, Agate, Emerald, and Halite. They all lived in a big crystal cave, and they were all very different from each other.

One day, Quartz said to the others, "I'm tired of just sitting here all day. Let's do something fun!"

Graphite, being a bit of a practical joker, suggested, "Let's play a game of hide and seek! I'll be the seeker first."

So, the others agreed, and Graphite closed his eyes and started counting. The minerals quickly scattered and hid themselves.

Bismuth hid behind a big boulder, Agate disguised herself as a stalactite, Emerald snuck behind a cluster of crystals, and Halite blended in with the salt formations on the cave floor.

Quartz, however, had a different idea. He wanted to be found quickly, so he placed himself in the most obvious spot possible - right in the center of the cave.

When Graphite finished counting, he started searching for the others. He found Bismuth easily, then Agate, Emerald, and Halite. But when he got to the center of the cave, he was puzzled to find Quartz sitting there in plain sight.

"Quartz, why are you sitting here in the open?" asked Graphite.

Quartz replied, "I wanted to make the game more interesting! And besides, you're taking so long to find me, I was getting bored just sitting here."

Graphite couldn't help but laugh, and from that day on, Quartz was known as the life of the party. The six minerals continued to play more games and have more adventures, always finding new ways to make each other laugh and have fun.

And that, my friends, is the story of how Quartz, Graphite, Bismuth, Agate, Emerald, and Halite became the happiest minerals in all the land.

Reflections

1. What was the idea Quartz had for the game of hide-and-seek?

2. How did the other minerals hide themselves during the game?

3. What happened when Graphite found Quartz sitting in the center of the cave?

4. What was Quartz known as after this game?

5. How did the minerals make each other laugh and have fun?

6. Can you think of any other fun games the minerals could play in the crystal cave?