

Riki danced and giggled as she shared gum balls with her friends. Her brown hair bounced with every spin. Mommy watched, smiling happily. Riki loved fun days like this. But bedtime always felt different. She worried about sleeping alone.

After her bath, Riki put on cozy pajamas. Mommy brushed her hair and read a short story. Riki hugged her pink Cocomelon blanket. When Mommy kissed Riki, she gave a big squeeze back. The room felt quiet and still. Riki hoped Mommy would stay.

When Mommy left, Riki listened for soft footsteps. She waited, snuggled in her covers. Then, as quietly as a mouse, she tiptoed into Mommy’s room. “I just want to be close to you,” Riki whispered. Mommy understood, and made space for her. But it felt crowded with both.

Riki wiggled and kicked in Mommy’s bed. The pillows were squashed, and blankets tangled everywhere. Mommy smiled sleepily but looked tired. In the morning, Riki stretched and yawned. Mommy said, “No one slept well, sweet girl.” Riki hugged Mommy tightly.

Mommy sat with Riki by the kitchen table. “Riki, you’re growing up beautifully,” Mommy said. Riki frowned and looked at her toes. “But what if I miss you?” she asked softly. Mommy brushed her cheek gently. “Missing someone is okay,” Mommy replied.

Together, they fluffed pillows and tucked in Riki’s special blanket. Riki arranged all her teddy bears in a happy circle. Mommy placed a little picture of herself by the nightlight. The room looked cozy and bright. Riki smiled a bit. “It feels nice in here,” she said.

Mommy held Riki’s hand. “I’ll be right in the next room all night,” she promised. Riki nodded slowly. Mommy smiled, “Tomorrow, we’ll eat your favorite cereal, Kariot!” Riki giggled at the thought. She hugged Mommy tightly before bed.

Mommy tucked Riki in and gave her a long hug. Riki felt warm and safe. “Goodnight, my big girl,” Mommy whispered. “Goodnight, Mommy,” Riki whispered back. The nightlight shined softly. Riki squeezed her teddy bear close.

Riki looked at Mommy’s picture by her nightlight. She missed Mommy just a little. But her pink blanket felt extra cozy tonight. She thought about her fun day and smiled. The teddies kept her company. Riki yawned, snuggling deeper into her bed.

Riki drifted off to sleep, dreaming of ballet twirls and gum balls. Her teddies watched over her dreams. The night was peaceful and quiet. Mommy peeked in and smiled. Riki looked so proud and big in her own bed. Everyone slept soundly at last.

Sunshine peeked into Riki’s room. She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and grinned. “I did it!” Riki cheered. Mommy rushed in and hugged her tight. “You’re so brave, Riki!” Mommy said. They danced around together, giggling happily.

Riki and Mommy ate Kariot cereal together, laughing. “I’m proud of you, big girl,” Mommy said. Riki beamed and gave Mommy a huge hug. Cuddles happened all day long. That night, Riki felt ready for her own bed again. She liked being a big girl now!