Princess Poppy lived in a magnificent castle, filled with shimmering silks and mountains of fluffy pillows. But Poppy wasn’t happy. She complained about *everything*. Her breakfast was too warm, her dresses too itchy, and her bed… oh, her bed was the worst! It just wasn’t *quite* comfortable enough. Her royal parents tried everything. They brought in featherbeds from faraway lands, mattresses stuffed with the softest cotton, and even a bed made entirely of rose petals. Nothing pleased Princess Poppy.
One day, a traveling storyteller arrived at the castle. He told tales of brave knights and magical creatures, but Poppy just wrinkled her nose. “My bed is still uncomfortable!” she declared. The storyteller smiled kindly. “Perhaps,” he said, “the problem isn’t the bed, but what you bring *to* the bed.” Poppy tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?”
The storyteller explained, “Sometimes, a kind thought or a helpful deed can make even the hardest surface feel soft. Try doing something nice for someone else, and then see how your bed feels.” Poppy, though skeptical, decided to try. She found Old Man Tiber, the castle gardener, struggling to carry a heavy bucket of water. Poppy, forgetting about her own discomfort, rushed to help him. She carried the bucket with him, chatting cheerfully about the flowers he grew.
Old Man Tiber was delighted. “Why, thank you, Princess Poppy!” he said, his face beaming. “That’s very kind of you.” Poppy felt a warm glow inside, a feeling she hadn’t experienced before. Later that evening, she helped the castle cook prepare a special treat for the kitchen staff. She even read a story to the little stable boy, who was feeling lonely.
As Poppy climbed into her bed – the same bed she’d complained about all week – something was different. It didn’t feel lumpy or hard. It felt… cozy. She snuggled into the pillows and realized the storyteller was right. The kindness she’d shown others had filled her heart with a warmth that made everything feel comfortable.
She thought about Old Man Tiber’s grateful smile and the stable boy’s happy laughter. Those feelings were much softer and more comforting than any featherbed. Poppy finally understood that true comfort wasn’t about having the fanciest things, but about having a kind heart and spreading joy to others.
From that day on, Princess Poppy continued to look for ways to help others. She learned that a little kindness could make a big difference, not just to those around her, but to herself as well. And every night, she slept soundly in her bed, knowing that the softest place to be was a heart filled with love and compassion. She didn't need a mountain of pillows, just a peaceful mind and a grateful spirit.
So close your eyes now, little one, and remember Princess Poppy. Remember that kindness is the best comfort of all. Sweet dreams, and may your heart be as soft and cozy as a cloud.