Once upon a time, in a field full of twinkling fireflies, lived a little firefly named Flicker. Flicker loved to zoom and zip around, making the night sparkle with his bright glow. But one evening, something terrible happened! Flicker blinked and blinked, but his light wouldn't come on. His glow was…gone!
Flicker felt very sad. He tried everything! He wiggled his bottom, he ate extra sweet nectar, he even asked Old Man Willow for advice. But nothing worked. He sat on a dandelion, feeling gloomy. 'What good is a firefly who can't glow?' he whispered.
Just then, a little ladybug named Dot landed beside him. 'What's wrong, Flicker?' she asked kindly. Flicker explained about his lost glow, and Dot listened very carefully. She didn't laugh or tease him. She just said, 'That's too bad. But you're still my friend, even without a light.'
Dot suggested they go find her friend, Barnaby the beetle, who was very good at finding lost things. Together, they searched high and low. They asked a sleepy snail and a busy bee, but no one had seen Flicker’s glow. Flicker started to feel hopeless again.
Then, Dot had an idea! 'Maybe your glow isn't *lost*,' she said. 'Maybe it's just hiding because you're sad.' She encouraged Flicker to think about all the fun things they could do together, even without a light – playing hide-and-seek amongst the flowers, or telling stories under the stars.
As Flicker thought about his friend and all the fun they could have, a tiny spark began to flicker inside him. Then, a little glow! It wasn't as bright as before, but it was *there*! He smiled at Dot, and his glow grew a little brighter.
Flicker realized that Dot was right. His glow hadn't been lost at all; it had been hidden by his sadness. And with a friend by his side, he could shine again. He and Dot zoomed around the field, Flicker’s glow getting brighter with every happy moment.
From that day on, Flicker and Dot were the best of friends. Flicker learned that even when things are difficult, kindness and friendship can always help you find your light. And every night, they twinkled together, making the field a little bit brighter. Now close your eyes, little one, and let your own light shine bright as you drift off to sleep. Once upon a time…and always.