Gerald the Giraffe loved staying up late. The moon looked so pretty through the tall acacia trees, and the stars twinkled like fireflies. While all the other giraffes slept soundly, Gerald munched on leaves and watched the night sky.
One morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, and Gerald felt very, very tired. He stumbled as he walked and accidentally bumped into his friend, Ginny the Giraffe. "Oof!" Ginny said. "Watch where you're going, sleepyhead!"
Gerald apologized. "I didn't get much sleep last night," he mumbled.
Ginny looked concerned. "You need your sleep, Gerald! It helps you grow big and strong, and it makes you happy and ready to play during the day."
Gerald sighed. He knew Ginny was right. He'd missed playing tag with his friends that morning because he was too tired. He'd also been too sleepy to share his juicy leaves with Henrietta the Hippo.
That night, Gerald decided to try going to bed earlier. He snuggled up under his favorite acacia tree and closed his eyes. It was harder than he thought! He kept thinking about the twinkling stars.
Just then, Ginny came by. "Having trouble sleeping?" she asked kindly.
Gerald nodded sadly.
Ginny smiled. "Sometimes it helps to have a friend nearby. Would you like me to stay with you until you fall asleep?"
Gerald's eyes lit up. "Really?" he whispered.
Ginny lay down next to him under the acacia tree. "Of course," she said. "Good friends always look out for each other."
Gerald felt safe and cozy next to his friend. He closed his eyes, and this time, he drifted off to sleep quickly. He dreamt of playing tag with Ginny and sharing leaves with Henrietta.
The next morning, Gerald woke up feeling wonderful. He was full of energy! He raced over to Ginny and Henrietta, ready to play. He even shared his best, juiciest leaves with them. "Thank you for helping me sleep, Ginny!" he said. "Sleeping is much more fun when you have friends to share it with."
Ginny and Henrietta smiled. They were happy to see Gerald so happy and full of energy. From that day on, Gerald always went to bed at a good time, sometimes even snuggling up with his friends under the starry sky. He learned that sleeping is important and that sharing bedtime with friends can make it even sweeter.