The Deer and the Moon

The night was soft and the moss was warm. Nino the little deer lay in his cozy bed of leaves. He had small antlers and tiny cream spots. Most of all, he loved the moon.

Every night he watched it through the trees. Tonight the moon looked small and far away. Nino tilted his head. "Does the moon ever feel lonely?" he wondered.

He stood up on soft, quiet legs. He padded out under the gentle trees. The grass was cool and the air was still. On a low branch sat Nora the owl.

"Hello, Nino," she said softly. "What are you looking for?" "The moon," he said. "I think it might be lonely." Nora looked up with her calm, round eyes. "Let's look together," she whispered.

They watched the sky for a long, quiet while. "See the little stars?" said Nora. "They stay with the moon all night." Nino saw them now — soft and twinkly, everywhere. The moon was not alone after all.

"And the moon watches over us," Nora said. "It is like a soft light for everyone sleeping." Nino felt warm inside, all the way down. The moon was a friend to the whole sleepy world.

He gave a slow, happy yawn. "Thank you, Nora," he whispered. "Goodnight, little deer," she said.

He padded back through the quiet trees. His legs felt heavy and slow. The leaves rustled, soft as a hush. The first stars blinked above his bed.

Nino curled up in his warm bed of moss. The moon shone gently through the leaves. It watched over him, soft and near. His eyes grew heavy. His breathing slowed.

Hush now, hush now. The moon is here. The stars are here. Everyone is safe and warm. Goodnight, Nino. Goodnight.