Chalkboard Sky
The bedroom was quiet and painted in soft shadows. Rosy held her favorite Purple Chalk, her eyes sparkling with a grand bedtime plan. 'We are going to visit the stars, Fish,' she whispered to the little orange swimmer in his bowl.
With careful, steady strokes, Rosy drew a tall ladder stretching all the way up the wall. Mama stepped in to tuck her in, but smiled warmly, kissing Rosy's forehead. 'Sleepy dreams, my little artist,' Mama whispered, leaving the door ajar.
As soon as the room grew still, the magic began. Rosy climbed onto the first purple rung, and her feet found real, solid wood. Beside her, Fish blew a bubble and floated right out of his bowl, swimming happily through the warm air.
Step by step, they climbed straight through the ceiling into the Deep Night Sky. The air felt like cool velvet. Rosy pointed ahead. 'Look, Fish! One, two, three, four stars!' The bright little lights twinkled like freshly baked sugar cookies.
Rosy wanted to count five stars, but a playful cloud named Puff swooped in. Puff giggled and draped himself right over the last star. 'No peeking!' Puff seemed to say, shifting left and right to block the golden glow.
Rosy frowned, her cheeks puffing out. She wanted to finish her count! She reached into her pocket and found a tiny crumb of lavender cake from her kitchen baking. She gently tossed it. Puff drifted toward the sweet treat, distracted.
The cloud parted, and the fifth star shone brighter than all the rest. 'Five!' Rosy cheered softly, clapping her hands. Fish did a joyful loop-de-loop in the starry air. The sleepy stars blinked back, ready for bed.
Yawning deeply, Rosy climbed back down her purple ladder. She snuggled under her fluffy white duvet, feeling warm and safe. Fish splashed gently back into his bowl. Rosy closed her eyes, wondering if stars dream of little girls too.
