The river was a long, blue ribbon that stretched from the high mountains all the way to the big, wide sea. It was a happy river. It went swish-swish over the smooth gray stones. It went glub-glub under the drooping branches of the willow trees. In this beautiful river, there lived a little otter. The little otter had fur that was as soft as a velvet blanket and a little black nose that went wiggle-wiggle whenever he smelled something new. The little otter spent his days sliding down muddy banks and chasing tiny, silver bubbles. He loved the water, and he loved his mama. His mama was big and warm, and her fur always smelled like the fresh, clean air of the morning.
Every day, the little otter and his mama played together. They would splash-splash with their paws and dive deep to find the roundest, smoothest stones. But when the golden sun began to dip behind the trees, it was time for a nap. For an otter, a nap happens right on top of the water. You lie on your back, tuck your chin, and float like a little boat. The little otter loved to float, but he was also a little bit worried. When he closed his eyes, the world went dark. He could feel the water moving under him. He wondered, 'If I close my eyes and go to sleep, where will the river take me? Will I float away from the trees? Will I float away from my home?' This worry made the little otter keep his eyes wide open, even when he was very, very sleepy.
His mama saw his bright, blinking eyes. She swam close to him, making gentle ripples in the blue water. She reached out with her big, strong paw and took hold of the little otter’s small, soft paw. Her hand was warm and steady. She didn't say words, but the way she held his paw told the little otter everything he needed to know. She was saying, 'I am here. I have you. I will not let you go.' The little otter felt the warmth of her paw. He felt the way her fur felt against his. He took a deep breath, and his tummy went up and down. He looked at his mama, and she gave him a slow, happy blink. This was the beginning of trust. Trust is knowing that someone who loves you is holding on tight.
To make sure they stayed extra safe, the mama otter led them to a patch of long, green river grass. The grass grew from the bottom of the river and reached up to the top like long, green fingers. The mama otter showed the little otter how to wrap the grass around his tummy. It felt like a soft, leafy hug. Now they were anchored. They were like two little boats tied to a dock. The little otter felt the grass tickling his tummy and his mama’s paw holding his own. He felt very safe. He felt very loved. He realized that he didn't have to watch the river all by himself. He could trust his mama to watch over him while he rested his tired eyes.
Slowly, the little otter closed one eye. The river went swish-swish, but he stayed right where he was. He closed the other eye. The water felt like a soft, rocking cradle. He could hear the birds singing their evening songs in the trees. He could hear the frogs saying 'ribbit-ribbit' in the distance. Even with his eyes closed, he knew exactly where he was because he could feel his mama’s paw. Every time the water moved, he felt the gentle tug of her hand, reminding him that she was right there. He wasn't afraid of the big river anymore. The river was just a place for a long, beautiful dream.
The little otter let out a long, happy sigh. His little paws relaxed. His wiggle-wiggle nose went still. He floated on his back, his belly toward the stars that were just beginning to peek out from the sky. The mama otter stayed awake for a little while longer, watching the silver moon rise over the water. She held his paw firmly and gently. She knew that the little otter was learning how to be brave by trusting her. It was a quiet, peaceful moment on the big blue river. The trees whispered in the wind, and the water hummed a soft lullaby.
As the night grew darker and the stars grew brighter, the two otters drifted in their green grass bed. They were snuggled close, side by side. The little otter was deep in sleep, dreaming of silver bubbles and golden sunshine. He knew that when he woke up, the river would still be there, the trees would still be there, and his mama would still be holding his paw. Everything was just as it should be. The world was a kind place, and the river was a safe home. It is easy to sleep when you know you are never alone.
So, sleep tight, little otter. The water is calm. The grass is soft. Your mama is holding your hand, and she will never let go. The moon is watching over the river, and the stars are shining just for you. It is time to rest. It is time to dream. The big blue river is singing you to sleep, and you are safe, sound, and loved. Goodnight, little otter. Goodnight, little one.
