Every night, Max puts on his soft pajamas. He picks up his little bear and hugs him tight. The room is quiet. Outside, the sky is dark. Max looks at the window. Sometimes, he feels a little scared of the dark.
Max sits on his bed. He can see his toys in the corner. He can see his soft blanket. But the shadows look different at night. Max whispers, “It is dark. I feel a little scared.”
Mom comes in and sits by Max. She smiles. “The dark is just the same room,” Mom says. She turns on a small light. The room feels warm and safe.
“See, Max? Your toys are here. Your bear is here. I am here with you,” says Mom.
Max looks around. He can see his toy car, his red ball, and his favorite book. They are all still there. Max feels better.
“Can you stay with me, Mom?” asks Max.
Mom holds Max's hand. “I will stay until you feel sleepy.”
Max listens to Mom's soft voice. She talks about the moon in the sky. She talks about stars that twinkle. Max closes his eyes. He feels safe. He hugs his bear close.
The dark is not so scary now. Max thinks, “The dark is just the same room with sleepy lights.”
Soon, Max is ready to sleep.
It is okay to feel scared sometimes, but with love and gentle words, little fears can go away.
