Coral the seahorse was getting ready for bed. The ocean was starting to dim, and the moon peeked through the waves, sprinkling silver sparkles everywhere. Coral lived in a beautiful coral reef with all her friends – Finley the fish, Shelly the starfish, and Ollie the octopus.
But tonight, Coral felt a little bit wiggly. She wasn’t sleepy! She wiggled and wobbled, trying to find a comfy spot on a swaying sea plant. “What’s wrong, Coral?” asked Finley, swimming close. “I just can’t seem to calm down,” Coral sighed. “My fins are wiggling too much!”
Shelly the starfish smiled. “Sometimes, when I feel wiggly, I count all the bubbles floating up, up, up to the surface.” Coral tried it. She watched the tiny bubbles rise, one by one. “One bubble… two bubbles… three bubbles…” It helped a little, but she still felt a bit bouncy.
Ollie the octopus gently wrapped one of his arms around Coral. Not too tight, just a friendly hug. “When I feel bouncy,” Ollie said, “I take deep breaths, like I’m smelling a beautiful sea flower.” He showed Coral how to slowly breathe in, and slowly breathe out.
Coral took a deep breath in… and a slow breath out. She did it again. And again. With each breath, she felt her wiggles getting smaller and smaller. Finley swam around her, making gentle swirling patterns with his fins. Shelly sang a quiet, bubbly song.
“Thank you, friends,” Coral whispered, feeling very sleepy now. “You helped me calm down.” Ollie smiled. “That’s what friends are for! We all help each other feel safe and peaceful.”
Coral snuggled close to a soft piece of coral. The moon shone brighter, and the ocean waves whispered a gentle lullaby. She closed her eyes, thinking about her wonderful friends and the beautiful, calming ocean. She drifted off to sleep, dreaming of bubbles, swirling fins, and deep, peaceful breaths.
And as Coral slept, the ocean continued to whisper its sweet lullaby, promising a beautiful new day filled with friendship and fun. Now close *your* eyes, little one, and let the ocean’s calm wash over you. Sweet dreams.