Luna was a little moonbeam, and she had a very important job. Every night, she helped the moon shine bright and watch over the world. But Luna didn’t like saying goodnight. It felt…final. She worried that if she said goodnight, everything would disappear until morning.
Tonight, the moon smiled down at Luna. “Why the long face, little one?” she asked. Luna explained her worries. “I don’t want things to vanish when I say goodnight! I want everything to stay just as it is.”
The moon chuckled, a soft, silvery sound. “Oh, Luna,” she said. “Saying goodnight isn’t about making things disappear. It’s about appreciating them *now*, and knowing they’ll be here again tomorrow. It’s a peaceful pause.”
Luna wasn’t sure she understood. The moon suggested they practice. “Let’s start with the twinkling stars,” she said. “Say ‘Goodnight, stars.’ And think about how beautifully they shone tonight.”
Luna took a deep breath. “Goodnight, stars,” she whispered. As she said it, she remembered how they’d sparkled like diamonds scattered across a velvet cloth. They didn’t fade! They just…rested, waiting for their turn to shine again.
Next, they said goodnight to the sleepy clouds. Luna remembered how they’d drifted and danced across the sky, looking like fluffy sheep. “Goodnight, clouds,” she said, and they seemed to settle even more peacefully.
They said goodnight to the whispering trees, remembering the songs the wind had sung through their leaves. They said goodnight to the little fireflies, thanking them for their tiny, blinking lights. With each goodnight, Luna felt a little bit lighter, a little bit more peaceful.
Finally, the moon said, “Now, let’s say goodnight to the world.” Luna looked down at the sleeping towns and fields. She thought about all the dreams happening right now, all the cozy beds and warm blankets. She felt a wave of gratitude.
“Goodnight, world,” Luna said, her voice filled with warmth. And as she said it, she realized the moon was right. Saying goodnight wasn’t scary at all. It was a way of holding onto the beautiful memories of the day, and looking forward to a brand new one.
The moonbeam snuggled close to the moon. “I understand now,” she said sleepily. “Goodnight isn’t the end. It’s a promise of a beautiful tomorrow.” The moon smiled. “Exactly, little one. Now, it’s *your* turn to rest.”
Luna closed her eyes, feeling peaceful and content. She knew that even while she slept, the moon would be watching over the world, and that when she woke up, everything she loved would be waiting for her. And as she drifted off to sleep, she whispered one last, sweet goodnight.