Little Bear yawned a big, sleepy yawn. The sun had gone down, and the stars were beginning to twinkle. He waddled into the living room where Papa Bear was building a tower of soft blocks. “Papa,” Little Bear mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “I’m sleepy.”
Papa Bear smiled a warm, fuzzy smile. “So am I getting sleepy, Little Bear. But sleepy bears need a bedtime routine! First, we read a story.” Papa Bear carefully put down the last block and picked up a book about friendly fireflies. He sat Little Bear on his lap, and they snuggled close.
Papa Bear read in a gentle voice about the fireflies blinking goodnight to the forest. Little Bear pointed at the pictures, giggling at the bright lights. When the story was finished, Papa Bear closed the book. “Now,” he said, “a warm bath!”
The bath was bubbly and warm, just the way Little Bear liked it. Papa Bear helped him wash behind his ears and scrub his paws. Little Bear splashed and played, making little waves. Papa Bear laughed. “You’re a very splashy bear!”
After the bath, Papa Bear wrapped Little Bear in a soft, fluffy towel. He carried him to Little Bear’s bedroom, which smelled like warm honey and sunshine. He tucked Little Bear into his cozy bed.
“Papa, tell me you love me,” Little Bear whispered, already starting to drift off. Papa Bear leaned down and kissed Little Bear’s forehead. “Oh, Little Bear,” he said, “I love you more than all the honey in the world. More than all the fish in the sea. More than all the stars in the sky.”
Little Bear snuggled deeper into his blankets. “I love you too, Papa.”
Papa Bear sat beside the bed for a moment, watching Little Bear’s chest rise and fall with each sleepy breath. He gently stroked Little Bear’s fur. Knowing his little one was safe, warm, and loved filled Papa Bear’s heart with happiness.
“Sleep tight, Little Bear,” Papa Bear whispered. “Sweet dreams.” He turned off the light, leaving just a tiny nightlight to chase away any shadows. And as Little Bear drifted off to sleep, he knew he was the luckiest bear in the world to have such a loving Papa Bear.