Mimi says goodnight to the garden

The sky turns soft and pink. Mimi sits on the back step and yawns a big yawn.

She licks her white paws clean. She licks her face clean too.

“Wash, wash, yawn. Goodnight, little garden,” Mimi says.

Mimi pads down the stone path to the daisies in the grass.

The daisies are folding up their white petals. They close up every night, and open again in the morning.

“Goodnight, daisies,” whispers Mimi.

“Wash, wash, yawn. Goodnight, little garden,” she says softly.

On the green watering can sits Olu the snail. His shell shines in the moonlight.

“Goodnight, Olu,” says Mimi.

Olu waves his eye stalks. “I’m just setting off for my evening stroll! Snails like damp, mild nights,” he says.

Mimi gives her paw one more little wash. “Wash, wash, yawn. Goodnight, little garden,” she says.

Under the leafy hedge is a log pile. Out pokes a little black nose. It is Tiko the hedgehog!

Tiko stretches and yawns. “Good morning, Mimi!”

Mimi blinks. “Good morning? But it’s bedtime!”

Tiko smiles. “Not for me. Hedgehogs sleep all day. My day is just beginning.”

Mimi smiles a sleepy smile. The daisies sleep at night. Olu and Tiko are busy at night.

Everyone has their own sleepy time. And Mimi’s sleepy time is now.

“Goodnight, Tiko,” she says.

“Wash, wash, yawn. Goodnight, little garden,” she whispers.

Mimi pads back up the path. Push goes the cat flap, and she is home.

Her round basket waits by the warm stove. Mimi climbs in. “Wash, wash, yawn,” she purrs.

One turn. Two turns. Three turns. She curls up small and tucks her fluffy tail over her nose.

The kitchen is warm and still. Outside, the daisies are closed up tight. Olu strolls, and Tiko snuffles in the grass.

Mimi’s eyes close slowly. “Wash, wash, yawn. Goodnight, little garden,” she whispers.

Goodnight, Mimi.