Little Bear yawned a big, sleepy yawn. The sun had tucked itself behind the mountains, and the stars were beginning to peek out. “Papa?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Storytime?” Papa Bear chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound. “Of course, Little Bear. Storytime is the best time.”
But tonight was extra special. Papa Bear had a surprise. “Tonight,” he said, “we’re going to make our story *together*.” Little Bear’s ears perked up. “Together?”
Papa Bear nodded. “First, we’ll think of something wonderful. What’s your favorite thing about today, Little Bear?” Little Bear thought hard. “Playing in the meadow with the butterflies!” he exclaimed. “And you helped me catch them in my net!”
“Wonderful!” said Papa Bear. “That’s the first part of our story. Then, we’ll think of something cozy. What feels cozy to you?” Little Bear snuggled closer to Papa Bear. “Being with *you*, Papa. Your fur is so warm.”
Papa Bear’s heart felt warm too. “That’s perfect! Cozy and warm with Papa Bear. Now, we need something… sparkly!” Little Bear giggled. “The fireflies! They were sparkly!”
So, Papa Bear began to tell their story. “Once upon a time, there was a little bear who loved to play in the meadow with butterflies. He had a very special Papa Bear who always kept him safe and warm. And when the sun went down, they watched the sparkly fireflies together.”
Little Bear listened, his eyes getting heavier and heavier. He loved making the story with Papa Bear. It felt even more special than any story Papa Bear had ever told before. He realized that the best part of the story wasn't the butterflies or the fireflies, but being with his Papa.
“And then?” Little Bear whispered, almost asleep. Papa Bear gently stroked Little Bear’s head. “And then, the little bear knew he was loved very, very much.” He gave Little Bear a big, warm hug. “Just like *you* are loved, Little Bear.”
Little Bear snuggled into Papa Bear’s fur, feeling safe and loved. He closed his eyes, dreaming of butterflies, fireflies, and the warm, cozy feeling of being with his Papa. Papa Bear smiled, knowing that the best stories weren’t just *told*, they were *felt*.