The forest slowly falls asleep. The air becomes cool and still. The moon climbs up like a soft lamp. Little fox Runa looks out from her den. She likes the night, but she is also a little afraid.

At the glade, Runa finds a glass jar. Inside, small glowworms glow. They glimmer like tiny lanterns. Runa whispers hello. The glowworms blink back, friendly and soft.

Runa lifts the jar. It feels warm in her paws. She decides to go on a small moonlight journey. She wants to learn the words and sounds of the night.

Suddenly there's a rustle. A lively little face peeks out. It's Ivar, a hedgehog. His spines are sharp, but his voice is soft.

"I lost my path when dusk came," says Ivar. "Can you help me home?" Runa nods. "We'll go together," she says. The jar lights the road. The light is warm and kind.

From a branch, Owl Uma calls. "Hoo, hoo! I see well in the dark," she says. "I can show a safe way." They follow Uma. Her wing beats are silent. Wing beats mean soft movements in the air.

They walk across moss. The moss is soft and green. Dew glitters on the leaves. Dew is cold, small drops. A narrow brook babbles. The water says splash.

On a stone sits Snail Silke. Her shell shines. She smiles slowly. "I am patient," says Silke. "Patient means to wait calmly. May I follow a bit?" "Of course," says Runa.

Shadows dance between the spruces. Runa feels her heart thump. She stops and takes a deep, calm breath. Courage can be small steps, she thinks. The shadow by the path is just a kind moose chewing leaves. The moose nods and says good night.

Finally, they come to a leaf pile by a stone. "Here I live," says Ivar. "Here is my little gate." He beams with joy. "Thank you for the light and the company." He offers blueberries. They taste sweet and fresh.

They sit on a stump for a while. They listen to the night's music. Whoosh in the trees. Rustle in the grass. Splash in the brook. The words are small treasures, Runa thinks. They make the night soft.

The glowworms blink more slowly now. They are tired. Runa opens the jar's lid. "Thank you for your light," she whispers. The glowworms creep down into the grass. They glow like tiny stars between the blades.

Runa walks home with Uma. Silke rests under a leaf. Runa creeps into her den. She curls up into a warm ball. The moon watches over the forest.

Runa blinks sleepily. She is not as afraid anymore. She knows light can be a friend and that friends show the way. The night is big, but also kind. Good night, little forest.