Tonight you are sleeping somewhere new.
The bed is different. The pillow smells like fresh, clean cotton. The window is in a new spot, and the ceiling is a different shape. Everything is a little bit new, and that is all right. New places just take a moment to get to know.
So let’s say hello to this one, very softly.
First, say hello to the window. Outside, the night has come to visit. Maybe you can hear waves, rolling in and rolling out. Maybe you can hear wind in tall trees, whispering shhh, shhh. Maybe you can hear the far-away hum of a city, like a long, low lullaby. Whatever you hear, it is this place saying, “Welcome. We are glad you came.”
Now say hello to the moon. It is the very same moon that shines over your home. It found you all the way here. The moon always knows where you are sleeping, and it keeps a soft, silver eye on every little traveler.
Next, say hello to the bed. Feel the blanket tuck around your shoulders. Feel the pillow hold your head, just so. This bed has been waiting all day for someone to rest in it, and tonight, that someone is you.
Today was full of new things. New roads and new rooms. New smells and new sights. You were curious and brave all day long. Now your busy feet can rest. Wiggle your toes once… and let them go still.
Your hands can rest, too. Open them wide like starfish… and let them go soft.
Take a big, slow breath in, like you are smelling a warm cup of cocoa. And let it out, slow as a sleepy cloud drifting by.
Here is a little secret about new places: the first night is when they get to know you. The walls listen to your quiet breathing. The floor remembers your footsteps. The window learns the shape of your dreams. By morning, this place will not feel so new anymore. It will feel like your place, just for now.
And the grown-up reading to you right now? They are right here. Same voice. Same hugs. Same goodnight. Some things come with you wherever you go.
The house is getting quiet. The lights are low. Somewhere a clock ticks slowly: tick… tock… tick… tock.
Outside, the waves or the trees or the city keep humming their slow song. The moon keeps watch. The stars blink on, one by one, like tiny night-lights.
Say goodnight to the window.
Goodnight, window.
Say goodnight to the silver moon.
Goodnight, moon.
Say goodnight to this cozy new bed.
Goodnight, bed.
Now close your eyes, little traveler. Tomorrow is full of new adventures. But tonight is for resting, right here, snug and warm, in your new place.
Goodnight.