Lily loved bedtime. Not just the quiet time, but the cozy feeling of her bed, the soft glow of the nightlight, and the whispers of the night. Tonight, however, a tiny voice peeked through the darkness.
It was a tiny, fluttering noise, like a moth’s wings. Lily, usually brave, felt a shiver. She peeked under her covers. No moth. Just the night.
The sound came again, soft and insistent. Lily cautiously pulled back her covers. A tiny, shimmering firefly, smaller than her thumb, sat on her bedside table, blinking gently. It had a tiny, golden light that pulsed softly, brighter than the nightlight.
The firefly seemed to look at her with large, intelligent eyes. Lily felt a strange calm wash over her. She gently reached out a finger, waiting patiently. The little firefly didn't fly away or even flicker, just sat there, still and warm.
Lily realised she was being asked a question. The firefly was asking for help! It had gotten lost in the night and was looking for its way back to the Firefly Forest, home of countless glittering lights.
Lily thought hard. Her room was full of tiny, wonderful things - a doll house, a collection of seashells, and a book about constellations. She knew just how to help. She took a very, very large, gently-folded sheet from her bed and placed it on the floor, making a tunnel from her bed to the window.
Lily whispered a simple wish into the night. ‘Please let my friend find the Firefly Forest’. The firefly, instead of blinking, seemed to almost dance on the sheet and after a long pause, started along the path Lily had made. She watched it carefully, feeling a warmth not only from the firefly's light but from her own kindness.
As the firefly flew past, it seemed to smile, leaving a warm, golden glow in its wake. Lily felt a smile on her own face. The feeling of helping another brought joy and a deep sense of peace.
Lily watched the tiny firefly fly through the window and disappear into the night, its light fading softly until it was no longer visible. It had found its way home. Lily lay back in her bed, feeling grateful and peaceful. She drifted off to sleep, knowing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Lily woke up with a smile on her face. She knew now that even in the quietest night, kindness could light the way, just like a tiny firefly.