Flora and the Friendship Stars

Flora snuggled into her cozy bed, pulling her best friend, a fluffy brown bear named Barnaby, close to her side. "Ready for a story, my two little adventurers?" Dad asked, his voice a warm, gentle rumble. Barnaby, with his button eyes, seemed to nod. Flora giggled softly, tucking the blankets right up to their chins.

“Tonight’s story is about the stars,” Dad whispered, pointing a finger toward the ceiling as if it were the night sky. “Did you know that for every two best friends, like you and Barnaby, there’s a special pair of stars that twinkle just for them? They’re called Friendship Stars, and they shine extra bright to make sure friends always feel close, even when they’re dreaming.”

Flora’s eyelids felt heavy, like soft little curtains. She imagined her and Barnaby’s special stars twinkling high above the house, keeping watch. Dad tucked the blanket in a little tighter. "The stars are watching, and I'm right here," he hummed softly. Flora felt so safe, so warm, wrapped in her blankets and her daddy's love.

Now it was time for dreams. Soft, sweet dreams. Drifting like a little boat on a calm, quiet sea... sailing toward sleep. Barnaby was already dreaming... and soon, Flora was too. Goodnight, little star. Goodnight.