Barnaby Bear was a little bit worried. It was his first night sleeping in his new cabin in the woods! It wasn't a big cabin, just a snug little place his Papa Bear had built with strong logs and a cozy fireplace. But everything felt…different. Usually, Barnaby slept curled up with his family in their big den.
Papa Bear gave Barnaby a warm hug. “It’s okay to feel a little unsure, little one,” he said. “This cabin is a safe and peaceful place. Listen.” Barnaby closed his eyes and listened. He heard the gentle hoot of an owl, a soft breeze rustling the leaves, and the crackling of the fire Papa Bear had lit.
“The woods are full of quiet sounds,” Papa Bear explained. “They’re like a lullaby. They tell you everything is alright.” Barnaby snuggled into his bed, which was made of soft moss and fluffy leaves. He had a little blanket knitted by Mama Bear, and it smelled like sunshine and berries.
He looked around the cabin. A little wooden table held a glass of warm milk and a honey stick. A small window showed the twinkling stars. Everything was just right, but Barnaby still felt a tiny bit wobbly inside.
Papa Bear sat beside him. “Sometimes,” he said, “when we’re in a new place, we need to remind ourselves of all the things we *do* know and love. Think about your favorite things, Barnaby.”
Barnaby thought hard. He thought about playing hide-and-seek with his siblings, splashing in the cool river, and eating Mama Bear’s delicious blueberry pancakes. He thought about the warm feeling of his family’s hugs. As he thought about these happy things, the wobbly feeling started to disappear.
He took a sip of his warm milk and nibbled on his honey stick. The fire crackled merrily, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The owl hooted again, a gentle, comforting sound. Barnaby closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
He realized the cabin wasn’t so different after all. It was still a safe, warm place, filled with love. It was just a different kind of cozy. He snuggled deeper under his blanket, feeling peaceful and sleepy.
“Goodnight, Barnaby,” Papa Bear whispered, kissing his forehead. “Sleep tight.”
“Goodnight, Papa,” Barnaby mumbled, already drifting off to sleep. He dreamed of twinkling stars, rustling leaves, and the warm, comforting feeling of being home, even in a new cabin in the woods. And as he slept, the woods whispered their lullaby, keeping him safe and sound all night long.