Pip and the dark

Old Oakley helps Pip notice the safe, familiar things that nighttime holds.

Bramble’s Little Lessons · Scene 1 of 5

Pip and the dark

The lantern in the burrow was turned low, the way it always is at bedtime, and the room went soft and dim.

Pip: “I don’t like it when the light goes right out. I know it’s the same room. It just doesn’t feel like it.”

Bramble padded in and said softly,

Bramble: “Knowing something and feeling it are two different jobs. We can leave a light on while the feeling catches up.”

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It was bedtime in the burrow. The lantern was low and the room went dim.

Pip: “I don’t like the dark.”

Bramble said softly, “Then let’s leave a little light on.”

Pip and Bramble walked along the path at dusk.

Hazel: “Hello Pip! I keep a tiny lantern by my bed. It stays on all night.”

Pip: “All night?”

Old Oakley the owl waited on a low branch.

Old Oakley: “The dark is the same room with the light turned down. Your chair is still your chair.”

Pip: “And the sounds?”

Old Oakley: “Those are wind and leaves and owls like me, saying goodnight.”

Pip got into bed. The night light glowed warm and amber.

Pip: “I can see my books.”

Pip listened: leaves, wind, and one gentle hoot far away.

The burrow was quiet and warm and safe.

Pip: “Goodnight, Bramble.”

Pip snuggled down and fell asleep with the little light on.

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