Leo's Sleepy-Time Safari

Leo loved going to Grandma’s house. It smelled like cinnamon cookies and was filled with treasures from all over the world. They played games all day, building tall towers with colorful blocks and reading stories about brave knights.

But when the sun went down and the moon climbed into the sky, Leo’s tummy started to feel wobbly. It was time for bed, and his very own bed was far, far away. Grandma’s house seemed different in the dark.

"What's wrong, my little lion?" Grandma asked, her voice as soft as a blanket. "My tummy feels funny," Leo whispered. "The shadows are playing tricks on me."

Grandma smiled. "Shadows just want to play, too. And this house is full of sleepy-time magic. You just have to know where to look. Let's go on a Sleepy-Time Safari!" She handed Leo a small flashlight. "You be the guide."

Leo clicked on the flashlight. *Click!* A bright beam danced on the wall. First, he pointed it at the big grandfather clock in the hallway. Its *tick-tock* had sounded like a giant's footsteps.

"That's not a giant," Grandma whispered. "That's the Heartbeat of the House. It's telling us that everything is cozy and safe, all through the night." The *tick-tock* now sounded friendly, like a steady, sleepy drum.

Next, Leo shined his light on a coat rack. In the dark, its shape had looked like a long-armed monster. But with the light on it, he could see it was just his grandma’s fuzzy blue coat and her big sun hat.

"That's the Guardian of the Hallway," Grandma said with a wink. "It stands watch to make sure only happy dreams get past." Leo giggled. A coat monster didn't seem so scary anymore.

Finally, they went into the guest room. Leo shined his light under the bed, finding only a fluffy dust bunny and a lost checker piece. Tucked into bed, the blankets felt like a warm, safe hug. The Heartbeat of the House went *tick-tock*, and Leo knew the Guardian of the Hallway was on duty.

"Goodnight, my brave safari guide," Grandma whispered, kissing his forehead. Leo’s eyes were already closed. He was dreaming of his next adventure at Grandma's house, a place that wasn't scary at all. It was magical.