Hazel the hamster was a very busy little hamster. All day long, she scurried and played, collecting seeds and building tunnels in her cozy cage. But now, the moon was peeking through the window, and it was time for bed. Hazel yawned a big, sleepy yawn. But… her bedding felt lumpy!
She tried to fluff it with her paws, but it just wouldn’t cooperate. “Oh dear,” she squeaked. “My bed isn’t cozy enough!” She looked around her cage. Barnaby the beetle was polishing his shell, and Celeste the caterpillar was slowly munching on a leaf. “Excuse me,” Hazel called out. “Could you possibly help me with my bedding?”
Barnaby zoomed over. “Of course, Hazel!” he said. He used his strong legs to push the wood shavings into a neat pile. But it *still* wasn’t quite right. Celeste wiggled over, leaving a shimmering trail. “Perhaps a little leaf fluff will make it softer?” she suggested, and she gently added some soft, dried leaves to the pile.
Hazel tried it out. It was better, but still a little… bumpy. She sighed. “It’s no use,” she said sadly. “I’ll just have to sleep on a bumpy bed.” Barnaby and Celeste looked at each other. They wanted Hazel to have a good night’s sleep!
Then, Barnaby had an idea! “Hazel,” he said, “why don’t you use your favorite sunflower seed shell as a little pillow?” Hazel’s eyes lit up. She *loved* her sunflower seed shell! She carefully placed it under her head, and Celeste tucked a soft leaf around her paws like a blanket.
“Oh, it’s perfect!” Hazel squeaked happily. “Thank you, Barnaby and Celeste! You’re the best friends a hamster could ask for.” She snuggled into her now-cozy bed, feeling warm and safe. Barnaby and Celeste smiled. Helping Hazel felt good.
Hazel closed her eyes, remembering all the fun she had during the day. She thought about the seeds she collected, the tunnels she built, and now, the kindness of her friends. She took a deep breath and slowly drifted off to sleep, dreaming of sunflower seeds and cozy adventures. And as she slept, she knew that even a bumpy start could lead to a perfectly peaceful bedtime.