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Welcome to get Sleepy where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. I'm your host Thomas. Thank you so much for listening. Tonight we'll conclude our very own two part sleepy adventure through a festive night in New York City. In the first episode, a girl named Marie explored her uncle's fascinating studio during a family Christmas party. There she and her brother Fritz found his old movie props and costumes including ones from a toy soldier and a large mouse. That night, a strange visitor arrived at the front door. It was the toy soldier seemingly come to life. He introduced himself as Hans and invited Marie to join him for a midnight carriage ride through the quiet streets of New York City. They traveled together to the Central Park Zoo where the animals were putting on a magical performance. That's where we'll join Marie and the soldier tonight. Thanks again to Alicia Stephan for her beautiful writing of this two part tale. We'll have a long length stitched version coming out next week on the Get CP Premium feed. And while we're on the topic, we would love to have your Support on get CP Premium there, you can enjoy well over 800 full length stories and meditations. The Premium feed is completely ad free and there are hundreds of bonus episodes you can't hear anywhere else. In fact, every single Thursday we release a brand new bonus episode just for our Premium support waters. Tomorrow, Courtney will be reading us a charmingly festive tale about a family keeping up their tradition of making a spectacular gingerbread house together on the day of winter solstice. It's a great time to become a Premium supporter, and it's also a great time to gift a subscription to a friend or loved one. With the festive season well and truly upon us, remember that a good night's rest is one of life's greatest gifts. So perhaps your friends and family would really appreciate a Get Sleepy Premium subscription. To find out more about Get Sleepy Premium, including gifting a subscription, visit getsleepy.com support or just follow the link in the show notes. Thank you so much for your support. So my friends, make sure you're nice and comfy snuggled in under your covers. I truly hope all is well in your world. This time of year can be challenging for a lot of people for all sorts of reasons, but know that we are here for you whenever you need us. It's always been important to me to make sure you know that you are appreciated and cherished. Each and every one of us deserves peace, warmth and compassion. We might not always agree with one another, and our perceptions of the world can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of our lives, the way we've learned about the world around us, and many more variables that affect the way we think. But know that whenever each and every one of you join me here to listen, we are all undeniably united by the desire for peaceful, rejuvenating rest. So as you lie in your cozy bed settling in for the night, or even if you're listening in the daytime, I want you to join me for a moment in sending wishes of peace, warmth and compassion to all who are listening. Just say it internally in your mind. I send peace, warmth and compassion to all fellow listeners. And guess what my friend, as you send those comforting wishes out into the world, it not only touches the heart of every person listening along, but it also comes back to you. Remember that you are appreciated, cherished and cared for. And know that wishes of peace, warmth and compassion are sent your way too. I think it's time that we return to our Nutcracker Dream. So begin to imagine a dark and chilly New York City night. Thousands of beautiful snowflakes are drifting through the air, creating a winter wonderland. And this is where our story begins. Sa Marie stood with her face to the sky, feeling the delicate caress of tiny snowflakes on her cheeks. After a few moments, she turned to Hans and asked what they would be doing next. He said he wanted to take her to see some ice skaters. Marie thought that nothing could be more festive on this holiday evening. The soldier politely offered his arm to her and she took his elbow in her hand. Together they followed the path back out of the zoo and headed towards Central Park's famous winter attraction, Walman Rink. Marie had been here once before when Uncle Dan had taken her out on a wintry afternoon a couple of years ago. They'd rented skates and he'd encouraged her while she crept cautiously around the perimeter of the ice, gripping the wall and laughing almost too hard to stay upright. Tonight, as she and Hans approached, the mood was far more glamorous. The glassy rink was a light glowing like a pearl in the centre of the park. Around it there were dazzling replicas of Christmas trees made entirely of white lights. These were in many different sizes, standing like cones, and they had stars on top of them. But the true beauty of the scene was the sense that it was one tableau nested within another. The rink was inside the circle of fairy lit trees which was within the environs of the nighttime park. Then, most impressively, the skyline of New York soared above all of it, glittering in the darkness. Marie had the sense of being inside a snow globe with a world of giants, watching the festive scene from above. But there was much more to see than just an empty rink. A cheerful, festive carol began playing through the speakers. Marie gasped in delight as a line of skaters began to file into the rink. They were dressed in matching skating dresses made out of satin that shone with sequins atop each of their heads. They wore different types of tiaras and fascinators. No two were exactly alike. Once five of these nearly identical ice dancers had entered, a second stream of skaters appeared in costumes that looked like tuxedos. These smartly dressed newcomers fanned out, each arriving neatly at the side of a partner. What followed was an intricately choreographed dance. Gliding on the crystal clear ice with practiced skills, the couples swooped, spun and jumped. Sometimes, as if in a square dance, they changed partners, picking up with the next as if no pause had occurred. They did this with so much joy and an aspect of such ease that it almost made Marie believe that she could be part of this dance too. To watch however, was simply fantastic. As the snow continued to gently drift down on the rink, giving the trees of the park a sugary coating, Marie lost herself in the moment. She lost all track of time. And when the couples executed the grand finale, spinning faster than her eye could even follow, she was truly regretful that the dance was over. One by one, the skaters flew by her, gracefully nodding and bowing as if they had danced for a queen, as if they had been privileged just to perform for Marie and her soldier pans. The two onlookers clapped wildly and cheered for the talented pairs, who seemed gratified by the praise. Then, as a new festive tune started up, the glowing ice dances broke apart and began spinning and free skating, their program complete. Clearly they were just experiencing the joy of gliding across the ice. Marie could imagine that if she were this good at skating, she'd be doing the same. Her reverie was interrupted by Hans lightly tapping her shoulder. Clicking his heels together again, he asked Marie if perhaps she'd like to take a spin on the carousel. Marie couldn't imagine anything more delightful. The carousel had always been a favourite destination for her in the park. There were usually a lot of families waiting their turn, and the ride seemed so short. But it was always worth queuing, for she knew it was quite nearby. Ready to move along, she skipped ahead with hands right on her heels. The little round building that housed the carousel was within her sight in moments. Like everything else in the park that night, all its doors were open and it was ablaze with cheerful light. The carousel itself was at a standstill, but the familiar merry Go round music was playing. Nobody else was there, not even a person to operate it. But Hans seemed to have no concerns. Graciously, he extended his hand and swept it wide, saying, pick any horse you like, Marie. How could she choose? She'd tried to count the horses before while she was standing in line, but she'd never figured out exactly how many there were. She knew that there were two chariots, but sitting in a chariot that didn't move wasn't so appealing to her. Marie would have one of the gently galloping horses that floated up and down as the contraption rotated. But the question was, which one? Stepping onto the merry go round, she admired the riot of colour. Bright green, yellow, red and turquoise, lavishly decorated every inch. And while she assumed not every horse could possibly be unique, she certainly had plenty of choices. Black horses, brown horses, or grey horses with spots. Each one wore a saddle designed in a slightly different collection of primary colours. Not wanting to waste another minute she finally selected one of the black horses and pulled herself up. Hans selected a grey one nearby, looking every inch the cavalryman. Like co conspirators, they grinned at each other, sharing the excitement of the ride that was to come. Looking up, Marie gazed at the little coloured lights that dotted the ceiling like the twinkling orbs on a Christmas tree. Without any signal being given or any sign of how it happened, the carousel slowly began to move. Almost imperceptibly, Marie's horse started to rise before falling gently. The invigorating night air wafted across her face with more energy. And then they were flying. At least that's how it felt. They were propelled through a magical corridor of beautiful lights, a kaleidoscope of colour and a tunnel of enchanting music. The world outside became a pleasant blur, receding in importance. As they circled on this ride that seemed so wonderfully long, much longer than a normal one. Marie squeezed her eyes shut and fervently wished that this night would never end. As the glorious ride came ever so slowly to a stop, Marie rested her face on the cool, smooth pole that she'd been holding throughout the ride. She was happy, but also feeling thoughtful. The carousel ride was one she could have done all over again. She looked for Hans to ask if they might be able to go round just one more time. But he was nowhere to be seen. In fact, his entire carousel horse had vanished. Turning and looking around in surprise, Marie saw that Hans was now outside the ride. He was waiting next to his grey stallion, but it was an actual, living, breathing version. The horse he'd been riding on was standing at full height, breathing vapour and dancing lightly on its hooves. Smiling at her, he motioned to the saddle and said, let me help you up. Marie had never ridden on a real horse, but she wasn't nervous. Siding off her own carousel saddle, she hopped off the wood coloured deck of the Merry Go Round, approaching Hans and his majestic ride. He held out his hand for her to step into and then, as if she weighed nothing, he boosted her up into the saddle. As she settled in her seat, she looked around to adjust to her impressive new height. She had an intoxicating feeling of strength up here. With the tall horse underneath her, Marie was keen to find out where they were going next. Remaining on foot, Hans took the reins in his hand and signalled to the horse that it was time to walk. As it began to move, they headed northward, leaving the merry Go round behind for another lucky night time visitor. When she asked Hans what their destination would be, he said, we are expected soon at Belvedere Castle, where you are obviously the guest of honour. Marie was very surprised by this. She vaguely remembered the stately fortress that sat in the middle of the park. But she couldn't imagine what would be going on there at this late hour. Still, it was just another happy secret amid a night full of lovely surprises. So she decided not to ask any more questions and just wait and see what lay ahead. For a while, Marie simply wanted to enjoy the silence, gazing at the winter wonderland unfolding around her. As Hans walked northward leading the horse, she watched the delicate white flakes fall on her flannel pyjamas and even tried to catch a few in the palm of her hand. She considered that she'd never known the city to be so very quiet. It seemed like nobody else was about at all, and the fresh blanket of snow further insulated them from the world. Soon she saw a lit up plaza ahead that she remembered as the heart of the park. When they crossed under 72nd street, she knew they were at Bethesda Terrace. When they emerged from the lower level tunnel that went under the road, the red sandstone pavers of the terrace fanned out before them in an intricate herringbone pattern that was further decorated with inlays of Roman brick. On either side of Marie and her companions, grand staircases descended from the street level. Above the centrepiece of this plaza was the Bethesda Fountain. On past visits, Marie had stood in awe of the beautiful eight foot tall angel at its centre. But she didn't know anything else about the beautiful statue other than the fact that she loved it. As if reading her thoughts, Hans offered a little history lesson. It's one of the largest fountains in New York, he said, 26ft high by 96ft wide. Her name is angel of the Waters and those four little cherubim underneath her are supposed to represent health, purity, temperance and peace. Hans smiled up at Marie as she gazed at the angel taking it all in. As Marie sat there thinking, something happened. Far off in the distance, a clock began chiming the hour. It happened to be 3am now, and as she watched, the angel moved. At first Marie thought her eyes were playing tricks on her, but then she saw that Hans was also watching. The angel gently began to flap her wings as if she would take flight. She didn't, though. She stayed right on the fountain with her hands outstretched, just as she always did. A few moments after the clock stopped chiming, she was still again, fixed in stone. And the moment was past. Marie looked down at Hans and smiled with delight. Did you see that? She asked him. He made a face of mock uncertainty and responded with a jest. See what? I don't know what you could possibly mean. They both laughed. Hans made a serious face again and told Marie that they must be getting on because everyone would be waiting for her. She was puzzled by this comment, since everyone she knew in New York was sleeping at Uncle Dan's house and the park was largely devoid of visitors that night. Still, she was curious to find out what Hans meant, so she cheerfully clicked her tongue, telling the horse that she was ready to proceed. At this moment, in the darkest hours before dawn, the snow stopped. The clouds parted in the sky and the moon shone down, casting an ethereal silver light across the snow covered park. Hans led the horse through the enchanting twists and turns of the wooded part of the park known as the Ramble, where Marie had often gone for walks that made her feel like she was actually in the wild. Now, riding high up in the air, Marie took deep breaths and then exhaled, watching the vapor dissipate in front of her. The transiency of the snow, this lifelike carousel horse, and even the moonlight made her feel like she must remember every sound and every feeling of this magical journey. She was on the adventure of a lifetime through the twists and turns of Central park. As they neared 79th street, the impressive silhouette of Belvedere Castle loomed above them. Resting atop the natural rise known as Vista Rock, it was an awesome sight in the moonlight. Like the grandest of gingerbread houses, it was frosted with sugary snow that also coated the rock beneath. At the pinnacle of its tall tower, a flag waved lightly in the night breeze. Far from being dark and deserted, the castle seemed to luminously glow from within. Although Marie couldn't see where the light was coming from, it gave her the feeling that she and Hans were expected. Stopping outside the fairy tale fortress, Hans helped her down from the horse. She turned and leaned her head against it, offering a silent thanks. It whinnied and briefly stamped its feet, then nodded its head as if to say farewell. Then the beautiful animal turned and cantered away. Perhaps, she thought, it was heading back to its warm spot on the carousel to have a well deserved sleep. Turning back to Hans, she saw that he was standing on the steps leading to the castle. His hand was outstretched to help her on the snow covered stairs. Marie watched her feet carefully as she climbed. When they reached the observation balcony at the top, she was surprised to see a large velvet chair sitting right in front of her. And who should be sat next to the chair. But the snow leopard. Like a willing companion, the beautiful wild cat was enjoying the crisp winter evening. Its enormous padded feet were politely placed in front of it and the leopard's long tail wrapped neatly around them. The majestic animal looked for all the world like it belonged. Hans motioned to the chair and said, would you like to sit down? The last event of the evening will begin in a moment. As she approached it, Marie noticed with wonder that there was a carving on the back that looked just like the owl on Uncle Dan's clock. How very strange, she thought. How in the world had it gotten there? Filled with anticipation, Marie settled herself in the regal chair, feeling every inch a princess. As she did, she couldn't resist stroking the soft fur of the leopard at her side. The cat seemed to appreciate her attention, closing its eyes and looking comfortable. As she gazed around again, Marie was surprised to see the satin clad skaters file onto the balcony as well. One of them put a sparkling tiara on her hair, while another, wearing a tuxedo, offered her a warm, soft blanket for her lap. Enchanted by the diamond headpiece, Marie reached up and gently touched its contours with her hand. Then she centered it securely on her head, sitting up proudly as she did, another of the skaters appeared, holding a tray with a steaming cup of hot chocolate on top. Marie hadn't even realized how much she wanted a hot drink. She held the cup of cocoa up to her face and warmed her rosy nose and cheeks with the steam before sipping its sweet goodness. While she was luxuriating in her velvet chair, she again heard the sound of the Delacorte clock. It was playing a beautiful carol that she couldn't quite identify. She knew she was too far north to be hearing the clock all the way from the zoo, but like everything else that had happened that evening, she knew some type of magic must be involved. Then, in time to the music, the tufted penguins suddenly waddled into view on the great lawn in front of the castle. First running in a large circle, then dividing into a figure of eight, and finally turning. They all stopped and flapped their wings exuberantly. Marie clapped her own hands with enthusiasm. Having said their farewell, the penguins filed out of sight in a line, disappearing into the shadows. Before she had time to comment, Hans said, look over there on the turtle pond. While Marie had been watching the penguins, the beautiful ice dancers had vanished, and they were now skating in pairs under the moonlight, magically frozen solid. The lake was as glossy as a mirror, reflecting their every move. As they drifted from one elegant pose to another. They spread out into a large V shape with the skaters in dresses on one side and the tuxedo clad ones on the other. And they all took a sweeping bow. Marie clapped once again waving. The graceful performers turned away and skated out of sight. They had finished their performances for the night. Marie turned back to the Great Lawn and was amazed to see a long line of carousel horses gaily trotting across it in formation. A smaller circle formed inside a larger circle, just like on the carousel. Then, in an imitation of the merry go round, they circled, jumping every so often and eventually coming to a halt. They all turned to face Marie. Then each one of them dropped into a low bow with one front leg extended and the other bent towards the ground. Marie applauded with excitement at this. They stood and broke their circle, cantering off into the woods as they went. She saw her own black carousel horse at the very end of the line. It raised its head and whinnied in farewell. Then it too vanished. Marie sighed. She couldn't imagine anything better than this journey she had been on through the park. As she turned to thank Hans, he put his finger to his lips and pointed up at the sky. Following his hand, Marie saw the most amazing sight yet. The angel from Bethesda Terrace appeared to be in the sky. She was hovering high up over the Great Lawn, backlit by the moonlight. As Marie watched, she spread her hands. But instead of water spilling out, beautiful sparkling snowflakes began to drift down. They fell towards the Great Lawn. And then suddenly they were everywhere. They were drifting and falling all around Marie and Hans. A gentle storm was blanketing Belvedere Castle, covering every inch with a fresh, pristine coating of white. Marie jumped up from her velvet chair, throwing the blanket aside. She began spinning in a circle, her hands outstretched and her face to the sky. She was spinning and spinning, and she felt like she was drifting away with this snowstorm. She was becoming the snow. But the moon above her became larger and brighter. It filled her with its cool illumination until she closed her eyes. And when she opened them, there she was in her bed at Uncle Dan's house. And the light on her face was coming from the morning sun. It was shining through the window of their small bedroom, casting an angular beam across the floor by her bed. Marie lay very still, listening to the silence throughout the house. Nobody else was stirring. She pulled aside her covers and put her feet on the warm floorboards. Fritz was still in his bed, fast asleep. Marie didn't want the magic to dissipate just yet. She didn't want anyone else to wake. So she tiptoed across the floor very quietly, and went out onto the landing. As she did, she passed the clock again, where it ticked quietly. The owl peered down at her. The hands on the face of the clock pointed to 7:45am she wasn't sure why, but she felt compelled to return to the studio upstairs. After all, it was where her amazing adventure had begun. Even if it had all been a dream, she wanted to see the soldier's uniform again for herself. Lightly climbing up the steps, she walked into the studio, flicking on the light. There was the table where they'd eaten together. There was the mouse costume. The soldier costume was as it had been when they'd left the night before. She felt a strange sense of disappointment, as if she'd somehow secretly hoped to find something different. But then she caught her breath, for something was different. The sword was not in its place. Instead of lying by the mouse head where she'd left it, the sword was propped up next to the soldier's uniform, leaning neatly on the wall. And as she turned to go back downstairs, she saw one more thing out of the corner of her eyes. Hanging on a coat rack by the door was the very tiara that she'd worn at Belvedere Castle, and next to it was the soldier's feathered cap. Now some would say that Marie saw that tiara the night before, or that they had moved the sword and the cap and not remembered. But Marie knew better. She knew in her heart that a dashing soldier had made her festive dreams come true. Sa Sa.