Beneath the luminous flower in the Hush Garden, Nooli curled into a small ball. His heart flickered a pale blue, and his fur dimmed until he was almost invisible.
A group of little dream creatures gathered around him, leaning in close. One pointed upward toward the star-petals drifting above the garden. Then they scattered in every direction.
Moon-moths collected starlight in cupped leaves. Beetles pressed glowing moss into neat bundles. Fireflies trapped sparkles in acorn caps. They marched back in a wiggling line toward Nooli.
They piled starlight, moss, and sparkles around Nooli, shaping them into a cozy house with a rounded door just his size. He stared at the door, then at his friends.
Nooli's paws hovered at the door. Then he pushed inside, and the little dream creatures settled back among the roots and leaves, smiling.
Inside, Nooli curled up on the moss bed. His heart burst into the warmest golden-yellow glow, lighting up every petal and leaf in the whole Hush Garden.
Nooli pressed his cheek against the soft interior and breathed in the smell of starlight and earth. He stayed exactly where he belonged.
Outside, the Hush Garden hummed with quiet happiness. The luminous flower bloomed a little brighter, and the whispering trees rustled a lullaby.