Luna loved bedtime, but not just because it meant snuggling under her soft, warm blankets. Luna loved bedtime because it meant the moon and stars would soon appear, painting the dark sky with shimmering light. After a warm bath filled with bubbly lavender scents and putting on her coziest pyjamas decorated with tiny silver stars, Luna felt the gentle pull towards her favourite part of the day.
She padded softly over to her bedroom window, her nose almost touching the cool glass. Outside, the world was quiet and bathed in a gentle glow. Tonight, the moon was a perfect, bright circle hanging like a giant pearl against the deep velvet blue of the night sky. Tiny, twinkling stars dotted the darkness around it, looking like scattered diamonds.
Luna gazed up, her eyes wide with wonder. She wondered what it would be like to bounce on the moon, leaving footprints in silvery dust. She imagined herself floating gently among the stars, waving hello to constellations that looked like friendly animals and sparkling shapes. Did the Man in the Moon ever get lonely? Luna liked to think the stars were his friends, keeping him company through the long night.
"What are you dreaming about, little moonbeam?" a soft voice asked. It was her Dad, standing in the doorway with a warm smile. Luna pointed towards the window. "Just looking at the moon, Papa. It's so bright tonight! Do you think it watches over us while we sleep?"
Her Dad walked over and knelt beside her, looking out at the sky too. "I think it does," he whispered. "Like a gentle nightlight, always there, calm and steady. It watches over all the sleeping houses and dreams, keeping everything peaceful until the sun wakes up." He gave Luna a comforting hug.
He gently tucked Luna into her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. "Now, close your eyes and think about that beautiful moon and all those sparkly stars," he said softly. "Let them fill your dreams with quiet adventures." He kissed her forehead and dimmed the lights, leaving just a soft nightlight glowing in the corner.
Luna closed her eyes, picturing the calm, smiling moon and the distant, twinkling stars. She felt safe and cozy in her bed. The image of the peaceful night sky filled her mind, chasing away any leftover wiggles from the day. With thoughts full of moonbeams and stardust, Luna drifted easily into a deep, restful sleep, ready for sweet dreams.