Barnaby Bear was getting sleepy. Very, very sleepy. He rubbed his eyes with his paws and yawned a big, bear-sized yawn. “Mama,” he mumbled, “tell me a story?” Mama Bear smiled. She loved telling Barnaby stories, especially at bedtime.
“What kind of story tonight, little one?” she asked, snuggling Barnaby close. “A story about… love!” Barnaby said, already starting to drift off. Mama Bear chuckled. “That’s a wonderful idea. This is a story about how much Mama Bear loves you.”
“Even when I’m grumpy?” Barnaby asked, peeking one eye open. “Especially when you’re grumpy!” Mama Bear replied, giving him a gentle hug. “My love doesn’t change, Barnaby. It’s always here, warm and cozy, like your favorite blanket.”
“Even when I make a mess?” Barnaby continued, thinking about the berry juice he’d spilled earlier. Mama Bear kissed his nose. “Even when you make a mess! Making messes means you’re exploring and learning, and I love watching you learn.”
“Even when I can’t sleep?” Barnaby asked, snuggling deeper into his mama’s fur. “Especially then,” Mama Bear whispered. “When you can’t sleep, I hold you close and sing you songs, and that’s because I love you so very much.”
Mama Bear began to hum a soft tune. Barnaby listened, feeling safe and warm. He thought about all the ways his mama showed him love – the warm hugs, the yummy berries, the stories she told. He felt a happy little bubble of love grow in his chest.
“I love you too, Mama,” Barnaby whispered, his voice sleepy. “More than all the honey in the world!” Mama Bear smiled. “And I love you more than all the stars in the sky.”
She continued to hum, and Barnaby’s eyes closed. He knew, even as he drifted off to sleep, that his mama’s love would always be with him, keeping him safe and warm all night long. Sweet dreams, little Barnaby Bear. Sweet dreams, and lots of love.