The sun had dipped low behind the tall pine trees, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and purple. Inside the cozy den, Barnaby Bear Cub started to yawn a big, wide yawn. "Oh dear," murmured Mama Bear softly, "I think someone is getting sleepy. It's time to start our quiet time."
Barnaby rubbed his eyes with a paw. He loved quiet time. First, he went to the little stream near the den to wash his face, splashing gently. Then, back inside, he put on his soft, fuzzy pajamas. They felt warm and snuggly, just right for nighttime.
Next, it was time to say goodnight to his friends. He hugged his little wooden squirrel toy. "Goodnight, Squeaky," he whispered. He patted his stack of smooth, flat river stones. "Goodnight, stones. See you in the morning."
Mama Bear warmed up a cup of milk, just the right temperature for Barnaby. He held the warm cup in his paws and sipped slowly, feeling the warmth spread through his tummy. It was a quiet, peaceful moment, just him and Mama Bear in the soft glow of the den.
After his milk, Barnaby snuggled close to Mama Bear on their big, comfy sleeping moss. Mama Bear wrapped her big, strong arms around him. "You are safe, little one," she whispered, her voice like a soft lullaby. "You are loved, and you are safe right here with me."
Barnaby closed his eyes. He listened to Mama Bear's gentle breathing. He felt the soft moss beneath him and the warm hug holding him tight. He thought about fluffy clouds drifting slowly across the blue sky and soft dandelion seeds floating on the breeze. Nothing scary, just soft, gentle things.
His breathing became slow and steady. His body felt heavy and warm, like a little stone tucked safely in its bed. The den was quiet and dark, just the way sleep likes it to be. Barnaby Bear Cub felt perfectly safe, perfectly loved, and perfectly ready to drift off into peaceful, soft dreams.
Sleep came like a gentle whisper, wrapping Barnaby in its quiet hug. He slept soundly, knowing that he was safe in his cozy den, waiting for the sun to come up and greet him with a brand new day.