Pip was a little guinea pig with very big ears. Tonight was Pip’s first night sleeping in a new cage! He usually slept snuggled with his mama, but now he had a whole cage to himself. Pip wiggled his nose and felt a little bit scared. Everything smelled different, and the hay felt…new.
His best friend, Rosie the hamster, peeked her head out of her nearby house. “What’s wrong, Pip?” she squeaked. Pip explained he was worried about sleeping alone. Rosie smiled. “It’s okay to be a little scared of new things,” she said. “But new things can be fun too! What’s your bedtime routine?”
Pip blinked. “Bedtime…routine?” He’d never really *had* one before, except for snuggling with Mama. Rosie explained, “A routine is what you do every night before sleep. It helps you feel safe and cozy!”
Rosie helped Pip make a bedtime routine. First, they ate a little piece of carrot. Then, Pip burrowed into a pile of soft hay. Rosie told Pip a story about a brave little mouse who explored a big garden. Pip listened, feeling calmer with each word.
Next, Pip’s human, Lily, gently stroked his back. Lily always gave the best back scratches! Pip closed his eyes and wiggled with happiness. He felt warm and safe.
Finally, Lily tucked a little piece of lettuce near Pip’s nose, his favorite bedtime snack. Pip munched happily. The cage didn’t seem so scary anymore. It smelled like hay, carrots, and Lily’s gentle hands.
Rosie whispered, “See? A routine makes everything better!” Pip yawned a big guinea pig yawn. He snuggled deep into the hay, feeling sleepy and content. He realized that even though things were new, having a routine and a friend nearby made bedtime wonderful.
Pip closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of carrots and cozy hay. He knew that even when things change, a little bit of courage, a good routine, and a loving friend can make everything alright. Sweet dreams, Pip!