Mama, What's a Spandemic?

One sunny Saturday morning, Liyah was playing with her toys in the living room when she overheard her mom talking on the phone. 'Yes, I know, the pandemic has changed everything,' her mom said with a sigh. Liyah tilted her head. 'Pandemic? What's a spandemic?' she wondered to herself. The word sounded big and a little scary.

Curious, Liyah decided to become a detective for the day. She put on her favorite detective hat and started her investigation around the house. 'Mr. Teddy, do you know what a spandemic is?' she asked her teddy bear. No answer. She then moved on to her next clue, searching through her picture books for any sign of the mysterious word.

After searching high and low with no luck, Liyah knew there was only one thing left to do. She had to ask the expert - her mom. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to her mom and asked, 'Mama, what's a spandemic?' Her mom smiled, put down her phone, and patted the seat next to her. 'It's not spandemic, sweetie. It's pandemic. Let me explain what it means,' her mom said, wrapping an arm around her.

Liyah's mom explained that a pandemic is when a lot of people around the world get sick from the same illness. She told Liyah about the importance of staying healthy, washing hands, and wearing masks to protect themselves and others. 'So, it's like a big sick-time that we all have to be careful of?' Liyah asked. 'Exactly,' her mom replied with a smile. 'And that's why we haven't visited grandma recently, but we will see her soon.' Liyah nodded, feeling much better now that she understood.