Leo loved his bedtime stories. Every night, his father, a kind carpenter named Ben, would sit beside him, a worn toolbox by their side.
Tonight, Leo wanted a story about brave knights. Ben smiled and rummaged in the toolbox, pulling out a small, intricately carved wooden bird.
The bird wasn't for a knight, Leo thought. It was beautiful, with tiny wings and an eye that seemed to wink at him.
Ben started, "This little bird, Pip, lived in a forest so tall, the trees whispered secrets only the wind could hear. Pip wanted to soar, to touch the clouds, but he was afraid of the heights."
Leo looked at the tiny bird, and he felt a flutter in his tummy, just like Pip. Ben continued, "Pip practiced his wings, each flap a tiny leap, but still he trembled. He was so afraid of falling."
Ben paused, gently placing the bird on Leo's lap. "One day, Pip met an old owl. The owl, wise and patient, listened to Pip's fear. The owl explained that every flight starts with a small step, and that every tiny step helps build confidence."
The owl told Pip to trust his wings, just like he trusted his feet. The owl gently lifted Pip up a bit higher, and Pip found that it wasn't so scary after all.
"Now, Pip, how does it feel?" asked the owl. Pip chirped happily, his little wings flapping stronger each time.
Ben looked at Leo, his eyes full of love. "Just like Pip, Leo, we all have fears. Sometimes, these fears seem big and scary. But just like Pip, with patience and support, we can overcome them."
Leo thought about his own fears, about the dark and the monsters under his bed. Ben smiled warmly. "Your strength comes from your love and your courage. You are brave, my son."
Ben carefully put Pip back in the toolbox. "Now, close your eyes, Leo, and imagine yourself as a fearless adventurer, ready to take on any challenge. And just like Pip, with every tiny step, you will fly high."
Leo drifted off to sleep, a gentle smile on his face. He knew that his father's love and understanding made even the scariest dreams feel safe.
As Leo slept, Ben tucked him in, feeling a deep sense of pride and love for his son. He knew that his patience and support were the wings that would help Leo soar to new heights, like the little wooden bird in his hands.