Mika Mondschein pulled the blanket up to her nose. Suddenly, her night light turned on by itself. A small glowing star glided onto the ceiling. Mika stayed very still and watched as the light danced across the wallpaper and brushed the edge of the cupboard with golden rays.
Carefully, Mika placed one foot on the soft carpet. Next to the star, a shining moon appeared on the wall. "Hello?" she whispered. Then she listened. The apartment remained quiet. Only the night light hummed softly.
Mika walked to the door and opened it a crack. Three little points of light slipped out like fireflies into the dark hallway. Mika hesitated for a moment. Then she tapped her toes on the cool wood and almost laughed because one of the light points wobbled like a clumsy cat as it padded along the wall.
Quietly, Mika crept into the hallway and followed the trail. First came a star. Then a moon. Then a round cloud that looked like it was snoring. Mika exhaled softly and ran her fingers over the warm wallpaper. The hallway didn't feel empty anymore.
In the middle of the hallway, Mika stopped. The night light flickered briefly. Suddenly, all the pictures were gone. Only the dark apartment remained and the distant tick-tock of the clock. Mika tightened her grip on her night light and took a small step forward. Then, a whole picture sparkled above her on the ceiling, brighter and bigger than before.
Mika went back to her bedroom with the night light. She placed it next to her bed. Soon, stars and moons began to wander across the ceiling and walls again. Mika snuggled under the blanket, watched the gentle glow, and said into the quiet room, "Good night, darkness."
