Deep, deep down in the sparkly blue sea lived a little mermaid named Coral. Coral had a tail the color of sunshine and hair like soft seaweed. Every night, as the moonbeams danced on the water's surface, Coral knew it was almost time for bed.
But tonight, Coral felt extra wiggly! She wanted to splash and chase the tiny glowing fish. Her mommy mermaid smiled gently. "Coral," she said softly, "the ocean gets sleepy too. It's time for our quiet-down routine. Quiet time helps our bodies and minds get ready for lovely dreams."
Coral decided to try. First, she swam slowly past the coral castles, waving hello to the sleepy starfish tucked in their nooks. She didn't splash or zoom. It felt peaceful. Next, she helped a little seahorse find his way back to his family, using her soft voice. Being kind felt warm inside.
Then, Coral floated up just a little, looking at the moon's light making silvery paths on the water. She wondered what the world was like up there, quiet and still at night. Her curiosity was calm and gentle, not loud or wild.
After her quiet swim, Coral went back to her cozy grotto made of smooth, colorful stones. Her mommy mermaid tucked her into a soft bed made of sea anemones. Coral felt calm and happy. Her wiggles were gone, replaced by peaceful tiredness.
"Goodnight, little fish," whispered her mommy mermaid, giving her a gentle hug. Coral snuggled down, feeling safe and loved. She remembered the quiet swim, the sleepy starfish, the helpful moment with the seahorse, and the peaceful moonlight. Being quiet and kind made bedtime feel so much nicer.
Soon, Coral's eyes felt heavy. She closed them and drifted off into sweet dreams of swimming through calm, sparkly water, surrounded by sleeping fish and gentle currents. The quiet ocean held her safely while she dreamed until morning.