Key Lock

Hello. I am a lock. My special job is to keep your favorite things safe and sound. I am like a secret keeper for your house, your treasure box, and maybe even your secret diary. I hold the door shut tight so only the right person can come in. I have a best friend who helps me do my job. Do you know who it is. It’s the key. When my best friend, the key, gives me a little tickle, I giggle and open right up. But for everyone else, my lips are sealed. I love keeping secrets and protecting treasures.

My great-great-great grandfather lock was very different from me. He lived a long, long, long time ago in a warm, sandy place called ancient Egypt. On a sunny day, June 1st, many years ago, he was made not of shiny metal like me, but of wood. He was a big wooden lock on a big wooden door. His key was also made of wood and it looked like a giant toothbrush. To open the door, a person would push the big wooden toothbrush-key inside him. The key would lift up little wooden pins inside, and that was the secret signal that meant, ‘You can open now.’ Then, pop. The door would swing open. He was a very important lock.

Over the years, clever people helped me change. I am not made of wood anymore. Now, I am made of shiny, strong metal. I am also much smaller. You can find me on front doors to keep your family safe while you sleep. You can find me on a bicycle chain to protect it while you play at the park. I am even on little piggy banks to guard your coins. My job is the best job in the world. I love protecting all your special things and helping you feel cozy and safe. It makes me feel very proud and happy.