The Otter and the Sleepy Pond

By the quiet pond, the reeds swayed soft and slow. Lottie the little otter lay in her cozy nest. Her fur was warm and her whiskers were soft. Most of all, she loved the water.

The evening light made the pond glow gold. Lottie peeked over the edge of her nest. "One more gentle float," she thought, "before bed." So she slipped into the still, warm water.

She floated on her back, slow and easy. Her paws rested softly on her tummy. At the water's edge stood Nino the little deer. "Hello, Lottie," he said with a sleepy smile.

Together they watched the pond grow still. The lily pads were closing for the night. The little fish drifted down to rest. A dragonfly tucked its wings and grew quiet.

The pond was calm as a held breath. Lottie floated slower and slower. "The whole pond is going to sleep," whispered Nino. "So am I," Lottie said with a yawn.

She paddled softly back to her nest. The reeds wrapped around her, warm and dry. Nino dipped his head. "Goodnight, Lottie." "Goodnight, Nino," she whispered back.

Lottie curled up small in her cozy bed. The moon lay gently on the water. The reeds swayed slow, like a lullaby. Her eyes grew heavy. Her paws went still.

Hush now, hush now. The pond is sleeping. The moon is near. Everyone is cozy and warm. Goodnight, Lottie. Goodnight.