Little Bear yawned a big, sleepy yawn. The sun had tucked itself behind the mountains, and the stars were beginning to peek out. He snuggled close to Papa Bear, who was already getting ready for bed. “Papa,” Little Bear mumbled, “tell me a story?”
Papa Bear chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound. “Of course, Little Bear. But first, let’s do our bedtime routine. We brush our teeth, then we read a story, and *then* we snuggle for extra-long hugs.” Little Bear giggled and hurried to the little washbasin. He brushed and brushed, making bubbly foam with his berry-flavored toothpaste.
Back in their cozy den, Papa Bear opened a book with pictures of twinkling fireflies. He read about how the fireflies blinked their lights to say goodnight to the forest. Little Bear pointed at each firefly, counting them with Papa Bear. “One, two, three… so many!”
As Papa Bear read, Little Bear’s eyelids grew heavier and heavier. He loved listening to his Papa’s voice. It was warm and comforting, like a big, fluffy blanket. He especially loved how Papa Bear always made the fireflies sound so cheerful.
When the story was finished, Papa Bear closed the book. “Now for the best part,” he said with a wink. He pulled Little Bear close and gave him a big, warm hug. “I love you very much, Little Bear.”
“I love you too, Papa,” Little Bear whispered, snuggling even closer. He felt safe and loved in his Papa’s arms. Papa Bear hummed a gentle tune, and Little Bear’s breathing became slow and steady.
“Every night, Little Bear,” Papa Bear said softly, “we have this special time together. It helps us remember how much we care for each other. And even when you’re asleep, I’ll be right here.”
Little Bear drifted off to sleep, dreaming of twinkling fireflies and warm hugs. He knew that no matter what, his Papa would always be there to love and protect him. And Papa Bear, watching his little one sleep, felt a warmth in his heart that was brighter than any star.