Mia and Lila play on the rug.
It is evening.
The sky is dark and blue.
“Mia, look,” says Lila.
“The light outside is sleepy.”
Mama smiles.
“Yes, the sun goes to bed,” she says.
“Now we get ready too.”
Mia feels a small twist in her tummy.
The room is a little dark.
The corners look big and quiet.
“I like light,” Mia says.
Lila holds her hand.
“I am here,” Lila says.
Mama turns on a small lamp.
The lamp is soft and warm.
The light is yellow, like honey.
“This is a night light,” Mama says.
“It helps the dark feel gentle.”
Mia looks at the wall.
Shadows dance, tall and long.
One looks like a big rabbit.
“Is that a rabbit?” Mia asks.
Mama laughs.
“It is your toy bear shadow,” she says.
“Light in front, shadow behind.
It is only shape.”
Mia waves her hand.
Her shadow waves too.
“Hello, shadow Mia,” she says.
Lila giggles and jumps.
Her shadow jumps as well.
They climb into bed.
Their soft toys come too.
Mia hugs her bear.
Lila hugs her doll.
Mama sits close.
She strokes their hair.
“Listen,” she says.
“The dark is quiet.
The dark helps eyes rest.
The dark helps ears hear soft sounds.
A little hum, a little breeze.”
Mia hears the small hum.
It sounds like “mmm.”
Lila yawns.
“I feel cozy,” Lila says.
“The light is small, the dark is kind,” Mama says.
“It is like a big blanket for the world.”
Mia smiles.
Lila smiles.
Their eyes grow slow and sleepy.
The room is calm and safe.
The night light glows like a tiny moon.
The dark feels friendly when we know it and stay close to love.
