Tommy was a little boy, just 18 months old. He loved to play all day. He played with blocks, he played with teddy bears, and he played with his big yellow ball. But when the sun went down and the sky turned dark, Tommy felt a little scared.
One evening, when the sky was deep blue and stars twinkled like tiny lights, Tommy's mommy said, "It's time for bed, Tommy." Tommy looked at the dark room with big eyes. "No, Mommy! Dark is scary!" he said, his voice small.
Mommy knelt beside him. "The dark can be a little scary, but it can also be cozy," she said softly. "Let's make it nice together!" Tommy listened.
First, Mommy turned on a small night light. The light was soft and warm. "Look, Tommy! The light makes the dark a little brighter," she said. Tommy smiled a tiny smile.
Next, Mommy took his favorite teddy bear. She held it up high. "Teddy is here to keep you safe," she said. "Teddy loves the night! He loves to cuddle with you." Tommy hugged his teddy bear tight.
"But Mommy, what if I hear a noise?" Tommy asked, feeling a little worried again.
Mommy smiled gently. "If you hear a noise, it's just the house making sounds. Houses like to talk at night!" she explained. "You can say, âHello, house!' and it will be okay." Tommy giggled. "Hello, house!" he said bravely.
"Now, let's count the stars together," Mommy said, pointing out the window. "One, two, three⊠Look how many there are! They are our friends!" Tommy loved counting. He felt warm inside. "Four, five, six!" he counted happily.
As Mommy tucked him in, she whispered, "The dark is just a blanket for the stars. You are safe, Tommy." Tommy closed his eyes. With Teddy by his side and Mommy's words in his heart, the dark felt cozy now.
Tommy took a deep breath and whispered, "Goodnight, dark. Goodnight, stars." And just like that, he drifted off to sleep, knowing he was safe and loved.
In the dark, Tommy learned that the night could be a friend, and he was brave.
