The first star
The sun slipped behind the hill, and one small star blinked awake. Flori lifted the lantern. Luna lifted one careful paw. ‘Let’s say goodnight to everyone,’ Flori whispered.
Goodnight, cow
Cow stood by the red barn, chewing one last mouthful of hay. ‘Goodnight, cow,’ said Flori. Luna gave a tiny, sleepy moo. Cow’s soft ears flicked once, then grew still.
Goodnight, pig
Pig had made a round nest in the straw. Flori patted the straw beside him. Luna turned around once, twice, three times—just to show Pig how cozy works.
Goodnight, sheep
Sheep rested beneath the old tree, fluffy as a cloud that had floated down to the grass. ‘Baa-a-a,’ yawned Sheep. Flori and Luna yawned too.
Goodnight, chicken
Chicken tucked her beak beneath one wing. Her chicks made a warm yellow huddle. Luna sat very still. Flori tiptoed past so not one feather would flutter.
Goodnight, duck
At the pond, Duck glided through a silver ribbon of moonlight. One gentle ripple reached the bank. ‘Goodnight, duck,’ whispered Flori. ‘Quack,’ whispered Luna.
Goodnight, Flori. Goodnight, Luna.
The lantern grew dim. The barn grew warm. Flori tucked the quilt beneath his chin, and Luna curled close beside him. Outside, the whole farm breathed slowly under the stars.