Milo hears a soft bubble sound at bedtime. When it stops, Mama helps him wait and listen until it comes back.
Milo was a little otter.
It was bedtime at the pond.
He lay on Mama's belly and blinked at the dark water.
Then he heard a sound.
Plip.
Plop.
Milo looked up.
"Mama?" he said.
"Yes, little one?" said Mama.
"That is a pond bubble."
Milo smiled.
"More," he said.
He waited, but the sound stopped.
Milo looked at the water.
He looked at Mama.
He reached to tap the water with one paw.
No bubble came.
He tried one more tap.
Still no bubble.
"It is gone," said Milo.
Mama leaned close and put her paw over his paw.
"Let's stay still," she said.
"Let's listen."
Milo stayed still and looked at Mama.
He took a slow breath.
He heard a reed touch the water.
He heard a fish turn below.
But no bubble came back yet.
"I want plip-plop," Milo whispered.
"I know," said Mama.
She gave him a soft rub on the back.
Milo waited with Mama and looked at the water.
He tried to listen again.
Then the sound came back.
Plip.
Plop.
Milo blinked and smiled.
"There!" he said.
"Yes," said Mama.
"It came back."
Milo leaned under Mama's chin.
He did not tap now.
He smiled and listened.
Plip.
Plop.
Milo blinked as his eyes got heavy.
He gave one tiny yawn.
"Goodnight, bubble," he whispered.
"Goodnight, Milo," said Mama.
Plip.
Plop.
Soon Milo was asleep.
