Once upon a time, there was a table, a shelf, a television, a cupboard, a cigarette and a plate. The table and shelf were the best of friends and loved to hang out on the desk together. The television was always showing the latest cartoons, and the cupboard was filled with all sorts of tasty snacks.

One day, the table and shelf noticed that the cigarette was up to no good. It was trying to sneak into the cupboard to steal some snacks! The table and shelf quickly sprang into action and confronted the cigarette.

"What do you think you're doing?" asked the table.

"I'm just looking for something to munch on," replied the cigarette.

"Well, you can't have any of our snacks!" said the shelf. "They're for us and the plate."

The cigarette was undeterred and continued to try and sneak into the cupboard. But the table and shelf were too quick for it. They formed a barrier and wouldn't let the cigarette pass.

Just then, the television turned on and started showing a commercial for a brand of cigarettes. The cigarette suddenly became very interested and focused on the screen.

"Wow, those cigarettes look amazing," said the cigarette. "I need to try one of those!"

And with that, the cigarette hopped up onto the desk and made a break for the television. But before it could reach the screen, it tripped and fell onto the plate.

The plate was not happy. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" it exclaimed.

But the cigarette just laughed and said, "Oops, sorry plate. I was just trying to get to the television to see those delicious cigarettes."

The table, shelf, and cupboard all burst out laughing at the silly cigarette. From that day forward, they all agreed to never let the cigarette near the cupboard again. And they all lived happily ever after, enjoying their snacks and watching cartoons on the television. The end.

Reflections

1. What did the table and shelf see the cigarette trying to do?
2. What did the cigarette say when it tripped and fell onto the plate?
3. Why did the table, shelf, and cupboard agree to never let the cigarette near the cupboard again?
4. What was the television showing when the cigarette became interested?
5. Can you think of a different way the table and shelf could have prevented the cigarette from stealing the snacks?