The stars were peeking out one by one as Leo finished putting on his comfiest dinosaur pajamas. He brushed his teeth until they sparkled and washed his face. The house was getting quiet, and Leo knew what that meant – time for his favorite part of the day.
He padded softly to his bedroom and climbed into his big, cozy bed. His blankets felt like a warm hug. He snuggled his favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Bear, close and waited. Soon, the door creaked open gently, and there was Daddy, smiling his kind smile.
"Ready for a story, champ?" Daddy whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. Leo nodded excitedly, making room for Daddy to sit closer. Daddy smelled nice, like soap and nighttime. Leo loved how Daddy’s arm felt strong and safe around him.
Daddy picked up a book from the nightstand. It was a brand new one about a little cloud who was learning how to float just right. Daddy’s voice was low and soothing as he read the words. He made funny voices for the cloud and the wind, and Leo giggled softly, careful not to be too loud.
Leo tucked his head under Daddy’s arm, feeling safe and warm. He listened closely to the cloud’s adventure, imagining floating high up in the sky himself. Daddy’s finger followed the words on the page, and Leo watched the colorful pictures come to life as Daddy told the story.
When the story was finished, Daddy closed the book softly. "That little cloud finally learned to float perfectly," Daddy said, giving Leo a gentle squeeze. "Just like my brave boy learning new things every day."
Daddy leaned down and gave Leo a big, warm kiss on his forehead. "I love you, Leo. Sleep tight and have sweet dreams," he whispered. Leo hugged Mr. Bear tightly and whispered back, "I love you too, Daddy."
As Daddy tiptoed out of the room, leaving the door just a tiny bit open with the soft hallway light peeking in, Leo closed his eyes. He felt so happy and safe and loved. He thought about the little cloud and his own cozy bed, and soon, he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of floating among the stars with Daddy by his side.