Lara and the Whispering Willow

Tucked snugly in her bed, Lara closed her eyes and imagined a secret garden that only she knew. In the heart of this garden stood a great, old willow tree, whose long, leafy branches swayed like gentle arms. Tonight, one of its branches lowered itself just for her, shimmering with a soft, silvery light. It was a quiet invitation to a little nighttime adventure.

With a happy little wiggle, Lara imagined herself climbing onto the sparkling branch. It lifted her up, up, up, through its rustling leaves until she reached a tiny, cozy nook hidden amongst the highest twigs. Inside, nestled on a velvety moss pillow, was a family of tiny glow-bugs, their little lights pulsing softly like sleepy heartbeats. They blinked a gentle hello to Lara.

The glow-bugs didn't buzz or fly around. Instead, they pulsed their lights in a slow, calming rhythm, creating a silent, shimmering lullaby. The big willow tree began to sway ever so gently, rocking the little nook back and forth... back and forth. Lara felt her eyes grow heavy as she watched the sleepy, pulsing lights, feeling safe and warm in the arms of the ancient tree.

Slowly, so slowly, the whispering willow gently lowered its branch, bringing Lara all the way back down to her own soft bed. The glow-bugs winked a final, sleepy goodnight from far away. The garden faded into a beautiful, warm feeling, a perfect place for sweet dreams to begin. Sleep now, little Lara.