Sunny the Sun was a very busy fellow. All day long, he shone brightly, warming the flowers, helping the birds fly, and making everyone smile. He loved his job! But even the brightest sun gets tired.
As the afternoon turned into evening, Sunny began to feel sleepy. He yawned a big, golden yawn that stretched across the sky. "Oh dear," he mumbled to a fluffy white cloud named Nimbus. "I think it's almost time for bed."
Nimbus giggled. "It is, Sunny! The moon is getting ready to take over. She's very good at shining softly while everyone sleeps."
Sunny felt a little bit sad. He didn't want to stop shining! He liked being the center of attention. "But… but what if people miss me? What if the flowers get cold?"
Nimbus floated closer. "Silly Sunny! The flowers have their blankets of leaves, and the moon will keep everything safe and peaceful. And you need your rest! You can't shine brightly tomorrow if you don't sleep tonight."
A little firefly, twinkling nearby, added, "It's okay to rest, Sunny. We all need it! I'll blink extra bright tonight to remind everyone you'll be back."
Sunny smiled. He realized his friends were right. He slowly began to sink lower and lower, painting the sky with beautiful oranges, pinks, and purples. It was his special goodnight show.
"Thank you, Nimbus," Sunny whispered. "Thank you, little firefly." He gave one last, gentle ray of warmth to the world and then slipped behind the hills.
The moon peeked out, shining softly. Nimbus drifted across the sky, and the firefly blinked its tiny light. Everything was calm and peaceful.
Even though Sunny was asleep, he knew he wasn't forgotten. He was dreaming of another bright and happy day, and he knew that rest would make him even better at shining when he woke up. And that, little one, is how Sunny the Sun goes to sleep, ready to shine again tomorrow. Now close *your* eyes and rest, just like Sunny.