The little firefly, Flicker, loved the twilight hours. Every night, he'd flit through the meadow, his tiny light twinkling like a tiny star. He'd watch the flowers close their petals and the sleepy owls hoot goodnight.
One night, Flicker saw a tiny, trembling flower. It was a delicate purple blossom, much smaller than the other flowers around it, and its petals were drooping sadly. It seemed to be very worried and alone.
Flicker, always eager to help, zoomed closer to the flower. 'What troubles you?' he asked gently with a warm little buzz.
'I'm so afraid of the dark,' whispered the flower. 'I'm worried the big, scary night will hurt my petals.'
Flicker chuckled softly. 'But the dark is just a time for rest! Look around, everyone is quiet and peaceful.'
The flower looked around at the other flowers, all sleeping soundly and closed up, but it was still worried. Flicker knew he needed to help the little flower feel more safe.
'I will help you. I can shine my light to keep you safe through the night. I'll be your friend and watchman and keep the dark from hurting you.
Flicker hovered around the small flower, using his light to illuminate it. The gentle glow comforted the tiny flower. Soon, the flower was feeling a little calmer and its petals started to perk up a bit.
Flicker knew that he needed to teach the flower about patience and responsibility. 'The dark isn't scary,' Flicker explained. 'It's a time to rest and get ready for the new day. You're a special flower, and you should take good care of yourself. When you take care of yourself and your needs, you are being responsible. '
The flower listened carefully, feeling a little less scared, and a little wiser.
Flicker stayed with the flower all night, his light a comforting beacon. As the first rays of dawn peeked through the trees, the flower was no longer trembling. It opened its petals wide, ready to welcome the new day.
Flicker had taught the flower about the beauty of patience, the importance of responsibility for oneself, and the comfort of kindness. As the sun came up the flower thanked Flicker for helping it to feel more confident and safe and both were happy.
From that night on, the flower knew that even in the dark, there was always something to be grateful for, and kindness and patience could make a difference, no matter how small.