One evening, as the moon rose high in the sky, Mom sat beside Lala and whispered with a smile, “Guess what, Lala? Tomorrow we’re going on a picnic!”
The words made Lala’s eyes sparkle like stars. “A picnic? Really, Mom? With food, games, and the big green park?” she squealed, bouncing up and down on her bed.
Mom laughed. “Yes, but only if you sleep early so we can wake up fresh and ready.” She tucked Lala under the blanket and turned off the light.
But as soon as the room grew quiet, Lala tossed and turned. She imagined the picnic basket full of sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. She pictured herself running through fields, chasing butterflies, and flying a kite. Her excitement grew and grew until she whispered to herself, “How can I sleep when tomorrow will be so much fun?”
She sat up, hugged her pillow, and even tried counting sheep. “One sheep, two sheep… three sheep—oh no, what if the sheep come to the picnic too?” She burst into giggles, unable to calm down.
Hearing the noise, Mom peeked in. “Lala, why are you still awake?”
“I’m too excited, Mom! I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about the picnic!” Lala confessed, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Mom smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. She gently stroked Lala’s hair and whispered, “Close your eyes, little one. Dream about the picnic, and when you wake up, it will already be here.”
Lala finally cuddled into her blanket, imagining the green grass and tasty food. Little by little, her eyelids grew heavy, and at last, she drifted into dreamland—where the picnic had already begun.
