“In this story, does Rafi score the winning home run and win the game for his team?”

"Once upon a time, there was a baseball player named Rafi,” began Rafi, as he sat at the edge of his little brother’s bed.

“And he was the best player in the whole wide world!” shouted Avi.

“That, right, Avi,” continued Rafi. “Rafi was the best player in the whole land and everyone was jealous of him. Well, one night, Rafi’s team was playing the second-best team in the land. Rafi’s team had two outs and no one was on base. One more out and their turn at bat would be over. But suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the stands. It sounded like thunder. The fans were cheering for Rafi, who had just come up to bat.”

“Ooh! Ooh! I know what happens next!” interrupted Avi. “I bet Rafi scores a home run and wins the game for his team!”

“You’re a genius,” said Rafi as he smiled at his little brother. “How did you know the surprise ending?”

“Because you always score a home run in the stories you tell me,” said Avi.

“I do?” asked Rafi. “Well, that’s just because my stories are like my real life. Seriously, if it wasn’t for me, I don’t think my team would ever win a game.”

“Hey, what’s going on in here?” asked Mommy, as she poked her head into the room. “Rafi, I asked you to read Avi his bedtime story while I finished washing the dishes. Where’s the book we were in the middle of yesterday? Didn’t you see it on Avi’s bed? I left it out for you guys. Look, it’s right there.” Mommy pointed to a book on the floor next to Avi’s bed. It was a picture book with a collection of stories about Shabbos.

“But, Ma,” whined Rafi, “Avi’s not interested in that book. It’s so babyish. I decided to tell him a story that’s way more exciting.”

“And what story would that be?” asked Mommy.

“A baseball story about Rafi!” shouted Avi.

“And let me guess,” said Mommy. “In this story, does Rafi score the winning home run and win the game for his team?”

“Hey! How’d you know that?” asked Rafi.

“Because that’s what always happens in your stories, Rafi,” said Mommy, shaking her head as she headed back to the kitchen.