The Night the Moon Tucked Me In
Hugo, a curious boy, discovers the Moon's secret role in tucking in all the sleepy children and animals around the world.
- 3 min read
Hugo was a curious little boy who loved to stay up late. Every night, when his parents told him it was time for bed, he would find a new excuse to stay awake just a little bit longer. “But I’m not tired yet!” he would say, or “I forgot to say goodnight to my stuffed animals!”
One particularly starry evening, Hugo’s mother tucked him into bed and kissed him goodnight. As soon as she left the room, Hugo hopped out of bed and tiptoed to his window. He pressed his nose against the cool glass and gazed up at the twinkling stars and the big, round moon that hung in the sky like a giant, glowing nightlight.
“Oh, Moon,” Hugo whispered, “I wish I could stay up all night like you do. You never have to go to bed!”
To Hugo’s surprise, the Moon winked at him. “Is that what you think, little one?” the Moon’s gentle voice floated through the window. “I may be awake all night, but I have a very important job to do. I help tuck in all the sleepy children around the world.”
Hugo’s eyes widened with wonder. “Really? How do you do that?”
The Moon chuckled, a sound like soft wind chimes. “Well, why don’t I show you? Climb back into bed, and I’ll tell you a secret.”
Excited, Hugo scrambled back under his covers. The Moon’s silvery light stretched across his room, making everything look magical and dreamy.
“Now,” said the Moon, “close your eyes and imagine you’re floating on a cloud. Can you feel how soft and fluffy it is?”
Hugo nodded, his eyes shut tight.
“Good,” the Moon continued. “Now, let’s go on a little journey. We’re going to visit all the sleepy animals getting ready for bed.”
In his mind, Hugo saw a nest high up in a tree where a family of robins was settling down for the night. The mother robin was tucking her babies under her warm, feathery wings.
Next, they floated over to a cozy den where a family of foxes was curling up together, their fluffy tails wrapped around each other like blankets.
They passed by a pond where frogs were singing their nighttime lullabies, and then over a field where a herd of deer was bedding down in the soft grass.
“You see, Hugo,” the Moon whispered, “every creature has its own special way of getting ready for sleep. And do you know what helps them all feel safe and peaceful?”
Hugo shook his head, his eyes still closed.
“My light,” the Moon said softly. “I watch over them all night long, keeping the darkness at bay and helping them feel secure.”
As the Moon spoke, Hugo felt a warm, comforting feeling spread through his body. He snuggled deeper into his bed, feeling more relaxed than he ever had before.
“Now,” said the Moon, “it’s time for me to tuck you in, just like I do for all the animals.”
Hugo felt a gentle, silvery blanket of moonlight settle over him. It was cool and soothing, like a summer breeze.
“Goodnight, Hugo,” the Moon whispered. “Sweet dreams.”
Hugo yawned and mumbled, “Goodnight, Moon. Thank you for tucking me in.”
From that night on, Hugo never had trouble going to bed again. Every evening, he would look out his window and wave to the Moon, knowing that his celestial friend was there to watch over him and tuck him in with its gentle, silvery light.
And as Hugo drifted off to sleep each night, he dreamed of floating on clouds and visiting all the sleepy animals of the world, guided by the Moon’s gentle glow.
The end.