Elara loved Saturdays! Especially when they ended with a visit to Grandma Rose's cozy house. But this Saturday was different. This Saturday, Elara was sleeping over!
Elara packed her favorite teddy bear, Barnaby, and her sparkly pajamas. "It will be so much fun," her mom said, giving her a hug. Elara nodded, but a tiny fluttery feeling started in her tummy.
When they arrived at Grandma Rose's, the house smelled like warm cookies and old books. Grandma Rose opened her arms wide for a big hug. "My sweet Elara!" she exclaimed.
They played board games, read stories, and giggled until their sides hurt. But as the sun began to set, that fluttery feeling grew bigger. Soon, it would be bedtime.
"Time for pajamas, sleepyhead," Grandma Rose said gently. Elara changed into her sparkly pajamas, but her smile felt a little wobbly. She missed her own bed. She missed her parents.
Grandma Rose sat beside her on the bed. "Is everything alright, sweet pea?" she asked, her voice soft and kind. Elara nodded, then shook her head. "I miss Mom and Dad," she whispered.
"It's perfectly normal to miss them," Grandma Rose said, stroking Elara's hair. "Even big grown-ups miss their loved ones sometimes. But they're just a phone call away, and they'll be back in the morning."
Grandma Rose brought out a special photo album filled with pictures of Elara when she was tiny, and stories of all the fun times they'd had together. "Remember this?" Grandma Rose chuckled.
They read a favorite story, and Grandma Rose sang a quiet lullaby. Soon, Elara's eyelids felt heavy. She snuggled Barnaby close. The fluttery feeling had almost completely disappeared.
The next morning, Elara woke up feeling rested and happy. Grandma Rose was already making pancakes! Sleeping over wasn't so scary after all, especially with a grandma as wonderful as Rose.