Barnaby was a little lamb with fluffy white wool. He loved snuggling with his mama, especially at bedtime. Every night, Barnaby would curl up close, and Mama Lamb would sing him a gentle song. But tonight was different. Farmer Giles had made a special, cozy pen for Barnaby and his brother, Pip, in the barn, a little away from Mama.
Barnaby felt a wobble in his tummy. “Mama,” he bleated, “I don’t want to sleep *over there*! I want to sleep with *you*!” Mama Lamb nuzzled him with her soft nose. “Oh, Barnaby,” she said, “You are a big lamb now, and it’s good to learn to be brave. Pip is excited to try his new pen.”
Pip was already happily munching on some hay in the pen. Barnaby peeked inside. It *did* look cozy, with soft straw and a little bucket of water. But it still felt…lonely. He took a tiny step, then another, until he was inside with Pip.
“It’s okay to feel a little scared, Barnaby,” Pip said, noticing his brother’s worried face. “But look! Farmer Giles left us a special treat – a juicy apple slice!” Barnaby forgot about being scared for a moment and nibbled on the apple. It was delicious!
As the stars twinkled outside the barn window, Barnaby started to feel a little better. He and Pip played a quiet game of ‘head bump’ with their noses. Then, they lay down in the straw. Barnaby could still see Mama Lamb through the barn door, watching over them.
Mama Lamb began to sing her gentle song, and Barnaby realized he could hear it just as well from the pen as he could when snuggled right beside her. He closed his eyes, feeling warm and safe. He wasn’t as scared anymore.
He thought about the yummy apple slice, and how much fun he had with Pip. He was a brave little lamb! Soon, Barnaby drifted off to sleep, dreaming of green fields and fluffy clouds. He knew Mama Lamb was always near, even when he was sleeping in his own cozy pen. And that made him feel very, very loved.