Bruno the Bear Tucks in the Forest

Deep in the warm woods lived a bear named Bruno. His little house smelled of bread and honey tea. The fire glowed orange and soft. Bruno sat in his big chair and breathed slow.

Outside, the moon came up round and pale. Bruno looked at the quiet trees. "I think my friends are getting sleepy too," he said. So he wrapped a soft blanket round his shoulders. He stepped out into the hush of the night.

The grass was cool and damp under his paws. A little hedgehog sat by a root, rubbing her eyes. "Time for bed, small one," Bruno whispered. He gathered some warm leaves into a heap. The hedgehog curled up tight and yawned. "Goodnight," she murmured. Bruno smiled and walked on.

By the pond he found a sleepy otter. The otter floated slow on the still water. "Come now, little swimmer," said Bruno. He helped him to his nest of reeds. The otter blinked his heavy eyes. Bruno tucked him in and patted his soft head.

Up in a tree sat a small owl, wide awake. "I cannot find my snug branch," she said. Bruno found her a low, round bough. It was close and safe and warm. The owl settled her feathers and gave a sleepy hoot. "Thank you, Bruno," she whispered. Then her eyes drooped low.

Now the forest grew quiet and dim. One by one the little ones were sleeping. Bruno walked back along the soft, dark path. The moon followed him all the way home. His house still glowed warm and gold.

He stepped inside and closed the door. The fire was low now, soft and red. Bruno poured a last cup of honey tea. He sat in his big chair and sipped it slow.

Hush now, hush now, said the wind in the trees. Hush now, hush now, said the sleepy fire. Bruno's eyes felt heavy as warm stones. His paws went still upon his lap.

He pulled his blanket up to his chin. The little owl was sleeping. The otter was sleeping. The hedgehog was sleeping too. And now it was Bruno's turn.

The stars blinked slow above the quiet woods. The fire breathed its last warm light. Bruno yawned a deep and gentle yawn. His thoughts grew soft. His breathing grew slow.

Hush now, hush now, dear Bruno. The forest is safe and warm. Everyone is sleeping now. Close your eyes, little bear.

And Bruno did. He drifted off, warm and snug and dear. Goodnight, Bruno. Goodnight, sweet forest. Goodnight.