Magical coincidences

It was the most magical night of the year. Eight-year-old Adrià had gone to bed feeling excited and a little nervous. Two days earlier, he had lost his first tooth and tucked it beneath his pillow for Pérez the tooth mouse. In this tradition, a little mouse collects children’s teeth and leaves a coin. But tonight the Three Kings were coming too! In the sitting room, Adrià had left nougat, biscuits, a glass of milk and water for their camels.

When the house grew quiet, the night’s visitors began to arrive.

Pérez slipped silently through Adrià’s bedroom window, carrying his gleaming golden bag. He climbed the furniture and carefully searched beneath the pillow until he found the tooth, small and white as a pearl. He was about to leave a shiny coin when he heard footsteps in the hallway.

The Three Kings—Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar—had arrived quietly. Their camels were resting in the garden beside the water and grass left for them. Melchior carried coloured pencils, Caspar an adventure book, and Balthazar a building set Adrià had wanted for ages. As they approached the bedroom, they noticed a tiny shadow moving inside.

“Who is there?” asked Caspar in a deep but friendly voice.

Pérez turned round with a start.

“It’s me, Pérez the tooth mouse. I’m collecting Adrià’s tooth. Who are you?”

Melchior stepped forward with a smile.

“We are the Three Kings. We have brought his presents. It seems this is a very special night for him.”

Pérez pointed to the pillow.

“What a coincidence! But how shall we manage? We mustn’t wake him and spoil the surprise!”

The Kings and the little mouse sat beside the window to make a plan. They would work together quietly and make sure Adrià had a magical night.

Balthazar gently lifted the pillow while Pérez slipped the coin underneath. Then Caspar and Melchior placed the gifts beside Adrià’s shoes, checking that everything was just right.

“That’s teamwork!” whispered Pérez with a smile. “When we help one another, we can do amazing things.”

The Kings nodded.

“As well as bringing presents, we can remind children how much it matters to share, help others and care for their families.”

When Adrià woke, he found a coin beneath his pillow and the presents he had wished for beside his shoes. He ran to tell his family, certain that the magic of the festive season was stronger than ever.

There was more to this night than presents. As this story was told, it also showed how working together makes things better. Their home was full of love and the special magic of sharing.

And they say that ever since that night, the Three Kings and Pérez have phoned one another whenever an important visit is coming up. Together, they can make the magic even greater.

Questions to talk about together

Why is it surprising that Pérez and the Kings arrive on the same night? Has an unexpected event ever made you happy?

How do the visitors feel when they meet? How could you work with someone you have just met?

Why does Balthazar lift the pillow carefully? What small acts of help can you offer?

What might have happened if everyone had tried to work without listening to the others?

What can we learn about teamwork and caring for people we love?