Zoe the Zebra loved playing hide-and-seek with her friends. The sun was setting, painting the sky in beautiful orange and purple hues, but Zoe still wasn't ready to sleep.
“Just a little longer!” she pleaded with her mom. “The moon is still hiding!” Mama Zebra smiled gently and said, “The moon will be waiting for you when you wake up, but now it’s time for bed. Everyone needs sleep to grow big and strong.”
Zoe reluctantly followed her mom to their cozy nest under the acacia tree. It was already quite dark, and Zoe felt a little scared. “Mama,” she whispered, “what if there are scary monsters in the dark?”
Mama Zebra nuzzled Zoe close. “There are no monsters, my little one. The dark is just the absence of light. Close your eyes, and let’s play a game. Imagine all the wonderful things you’ll do tomorrow.”
Zoe closed her eyes and started imagining. She pictured herself racing with her friends across the savanna, splashing in the watering hole, and munching on juicy green grass. She felt a little yawn creep up, then another, and another.
Mama Zebra started humming a soft lullaby. Zoe snuggled deeper into the nest, feeling safe and warm. She imagined the moon peeking through the leaves, smiling down at her. She thought about all the fun she'd have the next day after a good night's sleep. The thought made her smile.
Soon, Zoe’s yawns turned into soft snores. The moon did indeed peek through the leaves, casting a gentle glow on the sleeping zebra. Mama Zebra kissed Zoe goodnight and whispered, “Sweet dreams, my little zebra.”
In her dreams, Zoe was dancing with the moonbeams, chasing butterflies made of starlight, and giggling with her friends. The night wasn’t scary at all. It was filled with magic and wonder, and Zoe knew that as long as she had a good night’s sleep, she would be ready for any adventure the next day brought.