Benny Bear was almost ready for bed.
Almost.
“One more sip,” he said.
Mama brought his little blue cup.
“One more cuddle,” he said.
Mama opened her arms.
“One more story,” he said.
They read about a mouse who found a very large button.
Then Benny looked at his blanket.
“I think it needs one more shake.”
Mama shook the blanket. Benny’s toes disappeared beneath it.
“One more tuck,” he said.
She tucked one corner. She tucked the other.
Benny wiggled his nose.
“One more—”
But instead of a word, out came a yawn.
A big, round, surprising yawn.
“Oh,” said Benny.
Mama smiled. “What was that one for?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t ask for it.”
He tried to think of the next thing he needed. Perhaps a little more water. Perhaps a different pillow.
Another yawn arrived.
This one made his ears wobble.
“My blanket is making me sleepy,” he said.
“Is it?”
Benny nodded very slowly. His pillow was soft. His toes were warm. Mama was sitting beside him, and the mouse in the book had found exactly the button he wanted.
Maybe he already had everything he needed.
“One more good night,” Benny whispered.
Mama leaned down and kissed his forehead.
“Good night, little bear.”
Benny smiled.
And that was his last one more.
