When you go to bed and the house grows quiet, something happens in the garden.
The flowers close their petals like little fists, keeping the warmth inside.
The hedgehog tiptoes out from under the shed and snuffles along the path.
The moth finds the pale flowers and dances around them — white wings, white petals, soft as secrets.
The owl opens her eyes and turns her head all the way around. She can see everything.
The foxes play in the moonlight, their paws silent on the grass.
And the moon moves slowly across the sky, lighting everything up in silver.
All of this happens while you sleep.
All of it is happening right now.
Close your eyes and know that just outside, the night garden is alive and well and keeping watch.
Goodnight.