Chapters

Lesson 1- Always take a friend, the buddy system is key.

Lesson 2- Crying is allowed, but shouting for no reason is not.

Lesson 3- Always say "please" and "thank you"—your cuteness can only get you so far.

Lesson 4- Say sorry when you've hurt someone—it helps to make things right.

Lesson 5- Respect other people's property and space.

Lesson 6- Be kind to others, especially those who might be different from you.

Lesson 7- Ask for help when you need it—no one knows everything.

Lesson 8- Keep your hands to yourself, unless you're giving someone a high-five.

Lesson 9- If you make a mess you have to clean it up.

Lesson 10- Nap time is non-negotiable; everyone needs their beauty rest.

Lesson 11- Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to drinks or cookies.

Lesson 12- Wash your hands after using the toilet—germs aren't your friends.

Lesson 13- Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Lesson 14- Take care of your stuff- broken toys are no fun!

Lesson 15- Clothes are for wearing, not decorating the floor.

Lesson 16- Don't hit or hurt others, use your words to express yourself instead.

Lesson 17- Sometimes, the answer will be no, and that’s okay. It’s important to accept it without getting upset.

Lesson 18- Be curious and ask questions. Exploring and learning about the world is fun and important.

Lesson 19- Don’t judge others, treat them the way you want to be treated.

Lesson 20- Don't play with your food, but making faces is allowed.

Lesson 21- Use your inside voice or you’ll be sent to time out.

Lesson 22- Get enough sleep, bedtime is important for growing up strong.

Lesson 23- If you borrow something, don’t complain when it’s time to give it back. Sharing is caring.

Lesson 24- When someone is doing their job, be a good helper by not getting in their way.

Lesson 25- Don't interrupt when the adults are talking.

Lesson 26- Always wash your hands after using the bathroom to get rid of yucky germs.

Lesson 27- Don't put things in your mouth unless it's food or you've asked first.

Lesson 28- Don't play with the pet's food, it belongs to them, not you.

Lesson 29- Don't touch things that aren't yours, even if they're shiny.

Lesson 30- Ask before borrowing someone's toys, sharing is a two-way street.

Lesson 31- Only colour on paper, not on yourself or the furniture.

Lesson 32- Don't talk to strangers, but it's okay to smile.

Lesson 33- Feet go on the floor, not on the furniture.

Lesson 34- If you want pocket money you need to do your chores.

Lesson 35- No sneaking treats without permission.

Lesson 36- Put your things away, or the Toy Goblin might steal them!

Lesson 37- Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking, wait your turn.

Lesson 38- Use your inside voice indoors, outside voices are for the playground.

Lesson 39- Always tell the truth. Lies are like wobbly blocks, they fall down.

Lesson 40- Say sorry right away when you hurt someone. It’s like cleaning up a spill, do it fast, it’s much easier to fix!

Lesson 41- Use the magic words: "please" and "thank you." They open doors (and cookie jars)

Lesson 42- Sometimes making friends is easy, just smile and say hi! It's like opening a door to fun and new adventures.

Lesson 43- If you can't reach it, you probably shouldn't be playing with it.

Lesson 44- Don’t take things that aren’t yours. It’s not nice.

Lesson 45- Sometimes when you fix a broken toy it isn’t exactly the same as it was, but that doesn’t mean it’s no good!

Lesson 46- Good communication is talking and listening. It’s like playing catch, everyone gets a turn.

Lesson 47- When you wake up, smile and get up. There’s a new day of fun waiting for you!

Lesson 48- Enjoy your cake, but don’t eat too much at once!

Lesson 49- Save some of your money instead of spending it all. It’s like storing up treasures, you’ll have something special for later!

Lesson 50- Always play fair and take turns.

Lesson 51- Don’t take candy from strangers.

Lesson 52- When someone says "no," listen and accept it.

Lesson 53- Running is for the playground, not the living room.

Lesson 54- Always be polite and knock.

Lesson 55- If you’re stuck inside, use your imagination. It’s like turning your home into a playground!

Lesson 56- Smiling makes you and others happy… Most of the time.

Lesson 57- It’s wrong to steal.

Lesson 58- Just because you CAN do something, that doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Lesson 59- Always be respectful of someone else’s home.

Lesson 60- It’s important to wear clean socks and underwear.

Lesson 61- It’s not nice to talk about someone behind their back.

Lesson 62- It’s okay to be scared sometimes.

Lesson 63- No throwing toys, you break it you bought it.

Lesson 64- Be a good friend and listen.

Lesson 65- Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree.

Lesson 66- Always be on time.

Lesson 67- When someone is sick, be kind and helpful

Lesson 68- Remember, not everything people say online is true.

Lesson 69- If you see someone being left out, invite them to join in.

Lesson 70- Freedom means you get to make choices, but it also means dealing with the consequences.

Lesson 71- Remember to always ask first before taking someone else’s toys.

Lesson 72- You should think carefully when you make decisions.

Lesson 73- Always take good care of your pens.

Lesson 74- Everything is better with good teamwork.

Lesson 75- Always chew your food properly.

Lesson 76- Always wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Lesson 77- Just because your day is bad it does not give you an excuse to ruin someone else’s.

Lesson 78- Knowing who to call for help is just as good as knowing how to fix something yourself.

Lesson 79- If someone knocks on the door, don’t open it by yourself, always get a grown-up first.

Lesson 80- Always double check your work.

Lesson 81- Respect people’s bubble of personal space.

Lesson 82- There is nothing wrong with being in a bad mood, as long as you don’t take it out on someone else.

Lesson 83- Pets love to play, but remember to be gentle! They’re not toys!

Lesson 84- Every house has different rules, follow them just like your own.

Lesson 85- Medicine may taste sweet, but it's not candy!

Lesson 86- If you find a cute animal, always ask a grown-up before bringing it home.

Lesson 87- It’s okay if you fall as long as you get back up and try again.

Lesson 88- Always clean up after your pets!

Lesson 89- It’s not nice to leave people out when you do something fun.

Lesson 90- Just because someone is different that doesn’t make them bad.

Lesson 91- It’s not nice to make people worry.

Lesson 92- Sometimes people don’t want to play, and that’s okay too.

Lesson 93- Always ask a grown-up before using a phone.

Lesson 94- It’s important to always ask nicely before taking something.

Lesson 95- If someone else is telling a story, it’s polite to listen.

Lesson 96- Sleepovers might be fun, but everyone needs to sleep sometime.

Lesson 97- Make sure to respect other people’s right to privacy.

Lesson 98- Always keep your room clean.

Lesson 99- Disappointment doesn’t mean giving up. Sometimes, you just need to try again or find a new way to make things work!

Lesson 100- Always remember to turn off the tap. It’s not good to leave the water running, you might slip!

Lesson 101- It’s wrong to hit people, but you should always protect yourself first. You can say sorry later.

Lesson 102- Sometimes the only thing you can do is wait.

Lesson 103- Always say thank you when someone gives you a present.

Lesson 104- Make sure to wash all the important spots, even behind your ears!

Lesson 105- Eat everything that’s on your plate so you can grow big and strong. Plus, no dessert until you’re done!

Lesson 106- Sometimes, your only job is just to get better, and that’s okay.

Lesson 107- Take turns when you talk. Listening is just as important as speaking.

Lesson 108- There’s no point crying over spilled milk.

Lesson 109- Sometimes people are annoying and sometimes you just have to deal with it.

Lesson 110- Being the boss isn’t fun for everyone. Instead, ask nicely and work together.

Lesson 111- If it’s yucky, just take a bite and do your best. You never know, it might not be as bad as you think.

Lesson 112- When you get upset, take a deep breath and use your words.

Lesson 113- If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

Lesson 114- It’s okay to cry sometimes. It’s not good to trap your feelings on the inside.

Lesson 115- Sometimes when someone doesn’t want to tell you something you just have to agree.

Lesson 116- Always be careful giving out your personal information online!

Lesson 117- It’s good to save your money, just in case.

Lesson 118- If someone is worried about you, it usually means that they care.

Lesson 119- Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop talking and listen.

Lesson 120- Be nice to your siblings. You’re stuck with them either way.

Lesson 121- Police officers work hard to keep us safe, so always be respectful and kind when you see one.

Lesson 122- Try to give people a chance, you don’t need to put them into little boxes, they might surprise you.

Lesson 123- It’s wrong to lie, but sometimes you should wait until the right time to talk.

Lesson 124- If someone is hurt, you should take extra good care of them.

Lesson 125- Forgiving people is hard at the time but less work than hating someone.

Lesson 126- There is nothing wrong with having more than one good friend.

Lesson 127- Just because someone has bad news, that doesn’t make it their fault.

Lesson 128- It isn’t nice to call people names.

Lesson 129- You don’t need to change who you are to make someone like you. Just be yourself!

Lesson 130- Be careful how you spend your money.

Lesson 131- If someone doesn’t want a hug, don’t keep trying.

Lesson 132- Listen to the whole story before you make a decision.

Lesson 133- Remember to measure everything. Before comparing.

Lesson 134- Going to bed early sometimes is good for you.

Lesson 135- Try to find ways to laugh together rather than at each other.

Lesson 136- Recognize and appreciate when someone means well, even if things don’t go as planned.

Lesson 137- It’s okay to be selfish sometimes, as long as you try to do the right thing.

Lesson 138- Be careful what you agree to. You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.

Lesson 139- Waiting can be hard, but it’s usually worth it.

Lesson 140- When everything goes wrong, take a deep breath and deal with one problem at a time.

Lesson 141- Look both ways before you cross the street.

Lesson 142- Tidy your house up before you invite guests over.

Lesson 143- When you get hurt, don’t ignore it.

Lesson 144- Money can’t buy everything.

Lesson 145- It’s okay to take some time to think before making big decisions.

Lesson 146- Scars are normal, everyone has a few. They show that you’re strong and have healed.

Lesson 147- Sometimes you just need to go to sleep, things will look better when you wake up.

Lesson 148- Don’t worry about things you can’t control.

Lesson 149- It’s always a good idea to have a plan.

Lesson 150- Sometimes it’s kinder to just say nothing.

Lesson 151- Sometimes we have to put up with people we just don’t like very much.

Lesson 152- It’s good to be patient, but don’t waste time waiting for something that will never happen.

Lesson 153- Just because something isn’t perfect, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good.

Lesson 154- Look on the bright side, at least you aren’t dead.

Lesson 155- You can have the perfect plan, but that still doesn’t mean it’s going to work out.

Lesson 156- Don’t take the people you love for granted.

Lesson 157- Sometimes it’s easier to show someone than to tell them.

Lesson 158- Make sure to keep some of your money for emergencies.

Lesson 159- There is always another option, even if it’s not the one you were hoping for.

Lesson 160- Some things are worth waiting for.

Lesson 161- Appreciate the people who are there on your bad days.

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Lesson 1- Always take a friend, the buddy system is key.

There are many experiences that most women would consider to be pretty much universal. One of those experiences is having to walk somewhere after dark. It’s a nerve wracking experience more often than not.

You nervously clutch your keys, glancing around, trying to keep to the well lit areas and avoid any people on the street. The problem is there are no other people on this street. Why is that a problem?

Well it’s a problem because if I am the only other person on this street, why can I hear a second set of footsteps behind me? I’m on high alert, looking around cautiously but I can’t see anyone. I hurry and walk a little faster, reluctant to run in case it causes someone to chase. Is it weird for me to assume the footsteps are someone following me? Maybe. But I just can’t shake the feeling.

A few times today while I was working my job at the local kindergarten I felt eyes on me, but every time a kid would start crying or fighting and I would forget about it. But now that I’m walking home in the dark all those times come rushing back to me. Why oh why did Mr Rollinson have to be so late picking up his daughter? Usually I make it home before it gets dark. I only live a few minutes away from my workplace. But today he called and said he was running late.

As the newest and least experienced member of the staff, I was the one who got stuck hanging around for him so that the kid could go home and I could lock up afterwards. As a result I’m stuck walking home in the dark. I should have called for an uber or something but I didn’t want to waste the money, I figured it’s such a short walk after all. By the time the uber arrived I’d probably already be home! Well I’m regretting that decision now. I make a quick mental assessment of my situation. I’m about ten minutes from home.

Maybe less if I run, but I’ve never been all that athletic and I have asthma so running would probably end badly. I don’t have much in the way of ways to defend myself, just my keys which I’m already clutching, my handbag and my empty lunchbox. My shoes are flat heeled black boots which are good for moving around at least.

You need good shoes to chase after toddlers all day. My jeans and baby pink shirt with the kindergarten’s colourful logo on it do not lend well to blending or hiding, but that might be my only choice. My long brown hair is tied back in a loose ponytail with a light wave in the end. It was curled when I left home this morning but it didn’t last all day.

That is such a pointless thought to be having right now. Still, at least my hair is out of the way although I’m suddenly picturing all the ways a ponytail could be a problem. Is it easier for an attacker to yank my hair back if my hair is up or down? This really feels like the kind of thing we should be taught in school.

Maybe I can call someone for help, but who? The police? It would take forever for them to get here, it would be faster to run home. Plus what am I going to say? I THINK there MIGHT be someone else on the same street as me and I ASSUME they’re following me?

Yeah I doubt they would be coming in a hurry. I could try my brother Damien. He would come if I asked, but he’s a firefighter and is working a late shift tonight. Which means he’s either dealing with an emergency OR he’s at the fire station. It would take him just as long to arrive as the police.

Okay, new plan. It’s dark, but it’s not THAT late. Maybe there’s a shop or business open somewhere nearby that I can duck into. Somewhere with people where I can hang out until whoever this is goes on their way. Or until I can call an uber to take me the rest of the way home. I search around, but all the buildings around me seem dark.

Shit, shit, shit! I mindlessly turn right down a side street. I’m not heading towards home anymore, but I’m pretty sure there is a service station or something this way. I don’t care what the place is at this point, just as long as it’s well lit and has people.

I’m only walking a little longer before I realise that turning was a mistake. Clearly I had my directions wrong. The streets are actually getting darker and there is no sign of a service station. The footsteps behind me are getting closer.

My heart is racing and I’m sweating way too much for such a cool night. I walk faster and I can feel my ponytail flicking around my shoulders. My chest is tight, either from asthma or anxiety, maybe some combination of the two.

I should probably take my inhaler but I’m not willing to stop and dig around in my bag right now. The footsteps behind me are so loud, I risk a quick look behind me and finally I can see him. A tall, lanky man. He looks kind of unkempt with scraggly hair and an unhealthy pallor. We make eye contact and his eyes must catch light from somewhere because they flash an odd yellow colour.

The man grins at me and increases his stride, gaining on me. That’s it, there’s no point pretending I didn’t see him. I break into a run, clutching my bag and lunchbox to my chest. I’m panicking badly, I can’t breathe and I think I might be lost. Everywhere is dark and I have no idea where to go. I’m considering knocking on a random door and screaming for help when I hear it.

Down to my right I can hear music. I don’t know exactly where it is but I immediately veer right and head towards it. My lungs are burning and I feel a little dizzy. I don’t think I’m getting enough oxygen, still I power through. The music gets louder. I can see the building it’s coming from, there are lights on in the windows. I rush towards it and yank on the door but it doesn’t open.

Damn it the door is locked! Of course it’s locked, this is the back of the building. I ran down an alley without checking which side of the building I was on. And now, genius that I am, I’m stuck in a dead end alley with nowhere to go. Maybe I lost the guy? I turn around and shriek when I realise that he is standing only a few feet away and is steadily approaching.

The yellow glint is back in his eyes. I don’t know what else to do so I throw my lunchbox at him. It’s pretty pointless. He flicks it away and growls at me. Huh? Growls? Who the hell growls at people? I clutch my keys, holding them out in front of me like a weapon.

A useless, pointless weapon that is going to do me zero good because I can’t even breathe right now, much less fight off a guy who is probably a good foot taller than me. He takes another step towards me and into the light streaming from the window of the building and now I’m sure that I’ve not gotten enough oxygen because there is something not right here.

What I thought was sunken in cheeks and a sickly pallor is actually a completely deformed face streaked with greyish fur. In fact the man’s whole body has chunks of fur everywhere, like a sick dog who has lost half his fur. I bet this guy has fleas or something. He grins at me again, taking in my horror and now I can see his teeth, or should I say fangs. What the actual hell is he? I scream at the top of my lungs and with the hand that isn’t holding keys, I bash on the door behind me.

“SOMEONE LET ME IN. PLEASE HELP ME. PLEASE! I NEED HELP, I’LL DO ANYTHING PLEASE!” I scream mindlessly. The creature reaches for me. I swipe at him with my keys but he catches my wrist and yanks me forward. I feel something biting into my wrist and I see his clawed fingers as they draw blood. I can’t breathe, this is too much. My vision is blurring. I’m about to die in a back alley and my final thought is that I wish Mr Rollinson hadn’t been so late.

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