Luna was a little lamb with a very big worry. Every night, when the sun dipped behind the rolling green hills, Luna felt a flutter of fear in her tummy. She worried about getting lost in the meadow. Her mama always told her the meadow was safe, but it seemed so vast and shadowy when the stars began to twinkle.
Tonight was no different. Luna was playing hide-and-seek with her brother, Leo. She found a particularly good hiding spot behind a giant oak tree, its branches reaching up like welcoming arms. She giggled, thinking Leo would *never* find her. But when she peeked out, Leo was gone! And so was Mama.
A little tear rolled down Luna’s fluffy cheek. The meadow *did* seem enormous now. The shadows stretched long and wobbly, and every rustle of leaves sounded like a mysterious creature. She called out, “Mama? Leo?” But only the echo of her own voice answered.
Luna remembered what Mama always said: “When you’re scared, Luna, take a deep breath and think. You are stronger than you know.” Luna closed her eyes and took a deep, shaky breath. She thought about the way home. Mama always said to follow the stream, and it would lead right back to their cozy little barn.
But the stream wasn’t easy to find in the dark! Luna walked and walked, her little legs getting tired. She bumped into a grumpy badger who grumbled, “Watch where you’re going, little lamb!” Luna, remembering her mama’s lesson about kindness, politely apologized. The badger, surprised by her politeness, pointed her in the direction of the stream.
“It’s just past the patch of bluebells,” he grumbled, then hurried off. Luna thanked him and hurried towards the bluebells. Sure enough, there it was – the sparkling stream, winding its way through the meadow.
As she followed the stream, Luna noticed a little firefly, flickering weakly. It had gotten tangled in some tall grass. Luna carefully used her nose to nudge the grass aside, freeing the firefly. “Thank you!” blinked the firefly. “I was so scared I’d be stuck all night!”
“You’re welcome,” Luna said, feeling a little bit braver with each kind deed she did. The firefly, grateful for her help, offered to light her way. It zipped and zoomed ahead, illuminating the path along the stream.
Finally, Luna saw it – the warm glow of the barn! And there were Mama and Leo, looking very worried. “Luna!” Mama cried, rushing to hug her tightly. “We were so worried! Where were you?”
Luna explained about playing hide-and-seek and getting lost. She told her mama about the grumpy badger and the firefly she helped. Mama smiled. “You were very brave, Luna,” she said. “And very kind. You found your way home all by yourself!”
Leo nuzzled Luna. “You’re the bravest lamb I know!” Luna snuggled close to her mama and brother, feeling safe and warm. The meadow didn’t seem so scary anymore. She knew that even when she felt afraid, she could be brave, kind, and find her way. And as she drifted off to sleep, Luna knew that tomorrow would be another wonderful day in the meadow.