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Foreign. Hello friends and welcome to sleept Stories. Each week we share a few shout outs and birthday wishes for listeners who help support the show. It's a small way we say thank you and it always makes us smile. Dean and Tim, I'm so proud of your great behavior and hard work at school lately. Nioma, you're an incredible teacher, role model and the most wonderful mom. I love you all so much. Love dad. Just in case I'm not home when you hear this, See you in the morning. Happy 6th birthday to Harry from Melbourne, Australia. We are so proud of the sweet, kind and loving boy you are. You make us laugh every day. Never change. We love you so much. Love Mommy, Daddy, Jack, Emmy, Piper, Billy, Pebbles and Mac. Happy 8th birthday to Sophia listening in with her brothers on Alexander Lane. May you have a fun time at your Galentine's party. Your family loves you with all our hearts. Happy eighth birthday, Ellie Rose. You are the light of our lives. We love you forever and always. Love mom and dad. Happy 4th birthday to Sophie on February 14th. We love your hugs, songs, dances and smiles. We are so thankful for you. Love. Love, Mom, Dad, Daniel and Nora. Happy Birthday to Cora from Illinois. We wish you an incredible year. We are so proud of the person you are dedicated to, both school and swim, a loyal friend and an outstanding student. Love Mom, Dad, Reed and Perry. Happy seventh birthday to our girl Claire. We love your beautiful personality and the way you light up every room. Keep shining bright. Love Mom, Dad, Luke and Harvey. Happy 10th birthday Winnie, Kate and hello Wyatt. Love mom, dad, Reese, Skim and doot. Happy 7th birthday Rowan from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of who you are. Your kindness and love are truly infectious and you bring so much joy to everyone around you. We love you so much and want you to have an amazing seventh birthday. And Happy birthday to Addie in Colorado who is turning 8 on February 15th. We love you so much and feel so lucky that we get to be your family. Love Mom, Dad, Murph and Sashimi. Happy birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. We're so grateful you're here with us. Whether you've been listening since the beginning or just found us last week, you're part of something really special. Millions of families around the world making bedtime a little sweeter together. This year we have some lovely new stories planned. More adventures, more wonder, and maybe even a few surprises. We can't wait to share them with you. Now, on to our story. Bernice had a long day and is having trouble getting to sleep. She has tried all her regular activities to help her relax, but nothing seems to be working. Papa Bear talks to Bernice to find out what is going on and to help her to relax and get some sleep. Bernice and the Chocolates Surprise. After a long day at school and studying for her science test that was tomorrow and reading to relax her brain a little, Bernice began her bedtime routine. Or at least she tried to. What she really felt like doing was jumping up and down and maybe calling her friends on the pad and giggling a lot. But she knew she had to try. She wanted to be well rested for her science test. So to help herself calm down, she took a little longer in the bath, did some extra breathing exercises, even a bit of yoga, and finally jumped into bed. She arranged Twiggle, Wolfie and Madeline just right, pulled the blanket up to her chin and called out just a little louder than usual, it's that time, Papa. And what time is that, Little Bear? Papa Bear called from the kitchen. I think it's time to stay up all night and listen to stories, Bernice replied. Papa Bear quietly walked up the stairs. Mama Bear had said he was too loud at bedtime and slowly peeked around the corner into Bernice's bedroom. Bernice was sitting up in bed. She waved and said with a big smile, hi Papa. Walking into her bedroom, Papa Bear said, I thought you might be asleep already, Little Bear, but you don't look very sleepy. Yeah, Papa, I think I might need a super long story tonight. Like maybe two hours long, maybe longer. Papa Bear chuckled, That's a very long story, Little Bear. I'm not sure I even know a story that long. Why do you think you need such a long story? Well, my stomach has that silly feeling. But it's not from my science test though I am super excited about it because it's super easy and I studied a lot already. Bobby and I are going to try and see if we can get the exact same score, like 99 or 100. We sometimes do that, you know, pick a score, but it has to be a good one and then we see if we can get the same score. Ethan sometimes does it too. Gertrude says it's silly so she doesn't do it. Though I think she might if we did it for an English test, though that would be more difficult and stuff. So if it's not school, Papa Bear said gently, why are you having a hard time settling tonight? I did my deep breathing and even had a warm soapy bath with that fancy smelling bubble bath that Mama likes. You Know the one with the purple flowers on it? And I even did yoga a bit. Just like Mama. I guess maybe it might be the Bernice paused for just a moment. The treats I had while I was staying studying science. I mean, it might not be, but it could be. Papa Bear let out a sigh. What treats were those? Little Bear, we didn't have any treats tonight, and I didn't get time to bake cookies today. So our cookie jar is empty. Yeah, Papa. Seeing that empty cookie jar makes me feel a little sad. Well, it's the season, Papa. We always share food at lunchtime. Not always, but usually. Sometimes kids don't have extra food. Or maybe someone forgot their lunch. Or maybe it's just that we all brought the same thing that happened once. We all brought ham sandwiches. Even the kids who don't usually eat sandwiches. Isn't that crazy? Bobby had lettuce, so he took it out and someone else added it to theirs. Bobby used to be against carrots, then lettuce. I like lettuce because it's crunchy. Anyway, today a couple of kids brought chocolate to share because it's the chocolate season. That's what some kids call it. And I didn't have any chocolate to share because I don't usually bring sweets to school. Except cookies, but that doesn't really count. And we have this rule that if you don't have anything to share, you get a bit extra. So I ended up with all these chocolates and I kind of forgot about them until I took my science book out of my bag and there they were. And, well, I thought one wouldn't hurt, but it tasted so good I had to try another. And the next one had a liquid center, which was interesting and I sorta lost count, but I guess I ate too many. Papa. Papa Bear let out a deeper sigh. Oh, Little Bear, you know sweets before bed can make it harder to settle down. Treats are something we enjoy a little bit of, not a whole bunch. Especially before bed. I know, Papa. Well, let's try to not eat chocolate before bed next time. Papa Bear continued gently. And next time, if you get chocolate treats, you might want to take them out of your bag right away. Otherwise they can disappear to the bottom and reappear weeks later as a melted blob. Like some kind of science experiment, Papa? Yes, a bit like how heat melts chocolate because the fat inside it softens when it gets warm, and sugar can give you a quick burst of energy, but then your body has to work to settle back down again. That's why sweets Right before bedtime can make your brain feel extra buzzy. Bernice nodded slowly. That makes sense. My brain does feel kind of buzzy. Well, Papa Bear said softly, other than your silly feeling stomach, are you ready to listen to a story? I think so, Papa. I'll take a big breath first and close my eyes like you sometimes ask me to. Just then, as if on cue, Cookie padded into the room and curled up at the foot of Bernice's bed, making a perfect fluffy poof. Well, since everyone is here, Papa Bear said with a smile, I guess we can start. Maybe we can go back to the mystical forest again. Bernice said with one eye already closed. Booboo and Kai Kai it is. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa and I still plan on being a scientist, an artist, and a runner. You can be whatever you want to be. Are Twigga, Wolfy and Madeline comfy too? I think they are. Papa Bear smiled. Alright then, my super scientist, artist athlete, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you a story. I love you, Papa. I love you too, little Bear. Once upon a time, in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave little bear named Booboo. She lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest, and in this forest were unicorns, fairies, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds and animals. It was a wonderful place. Her best friend was a young dragon called Kai Kai, and they liked to play as much as they could. On this day, Bubu and Kai Kai were meeting at the back of the castle in the garden, where there was always some flower blooming. Some even played music. If you hummed a tune or sang, it was like many parts of the kingdom, a magical place. Boo Boo stood humming a song accompanied by some vines with bell flowers when she saw the biggest bird you could ever see coming closer and closer in the sky. It wasn't a bird, of course, it was a dragon. And this dragon was late for their afternoon adventure. The weather was warm today and they had planned a little trip to visit some new chocolate trees that a treat shop had recently started working with to make special desserts. The trees gave their chocolate syrup willingly, which made everything taste even better. Kai Kai landed right in front of Boo Boo. His landings were getting really good. Sorry I'm late, he said. I had to deliver a package for my mom and the headwinds near the mountains were stronger than I expected. And then I had to stop and look at the new orange flower trees near the old swimming pool that just started to bloom. Uh huh. Let Me guess. The flowers are yummy, Booboo said with a laugh. Well, I only stayed a couple of minutes. Kai Kai started to drool just thinking about the taste of orange flowers. So, are we going on our journey to the new chocolate trees? If we are, you better hop on. My stomach might start grumbling and cause an earthquake. Oh, now you're making it sound like I'm the one who's late. Booboo said, laughing as she climbed onto Kai Kai's back. The new chocolate trees were way too far to walk, especially since Kai Kai was a slow walker. Dragons were meant to fly. With a few powerful strokes of his wings, they were airborne in no time at all. They were high above the castle and the mystical forest there. Kai Kai said, pointing with his snout. I can already smell it from here. You can smell chocolate from that far away? Booboo asked, impressed despite herself. It's a gift, Kai Kai said seriously. They flew over rolling green hills dotted with wildflowers, past a river that sparkled in the afternoon sun, and finally toward a grove of trees that looked different from all the others. Even from the air, Booboo could see that their bark was a rich dark brown and their leaves had a deep purple tint that shimmered in the light. Those are them, Kai Kai said, his wings beating faster with excitement as they got closer. Booboo could smell it too, a rich, warm chocolate scent that filled the air and made her stomach rumble a little. The trees were enormous, with thick trees and branches that spread wide like welcoming arms. Hanging from the branches were what looked like large pods, each one gleaming with a glossy sheen. Kai Kai circled once, then landed gently in a clearing near the grove. The treat shop was right there, a cheerful little building with a red and white striped awning and windows that practically glowed with warmth. The sign above the door read Willow Whisk's Chocolate Dreams in swirling letters that seemed to dance. This place looks amazing, Booboo said, sliding off Kai Kai's back. Look at the trees. Hai. Kai breathed. Up close, the chocolate trees were even more impressive. Their bark looked smooth and almost edible, like it had been polished. The pods hanging from the branches were the size of Mo, and some of them had small wooden taps attached with golden syrup dripping slowly into collection buckets below. They give their syrup willingly, said a cheerful voice. A friendly looking gnome appeared from behind one of the trees, wearing an apron covered in chocolate stains. Welcome. I'm Willow. You must be here to try our new treats. Yes, please, Kai Kai said. Maybe a bit too loudly. Willow laughed. Well, Come inside. We've just finished a fresh batch of chocolate cloud puffs and we have chocolate ribbon cookies, triple layer chocolate cake tarts, chocolate drizzle cakes, and our special chocolate surprise spheres. Kai Kai's eyes went wide. Can I try all of them? Booboo gave him a look. Kai Ki, maybe we should start with one or two. Right, right, Kai Kai said, but he was already following Willow toward the shop entrance. Inside the treat shop was like stepping into a dream made of chocolate. The walls were lined with shelves holding jars of chocolate syrup in different shades, dark milk and even a pale white chocolate. Display cases showed off rows of perfectly crafted desserts, each one more tempting than the last. The air was thick with the smell of warm chocolate and vanilla. Here, Willow said, setting down a tray on a small table. Try these to start. The chocolate cloud puffs are our specialty. They melt in your mouth. Booboo picked up one of the small round puffs. It was impossibly light and dusted with cocoa powder when she bit into practically dissolved on her tongue, leaving behind the most wonderful chocolate taste she'd ever experienced. Oh wow. She said. Kai Kai had already eaten three. These are incredible. Can I have more? Of course, Willow said, beaming. Try the ribbon cookies next. And that's where things started to go a bit wrong. Kai Ki tried the ribbon cookies, then the cream tarts, then the drizzle cakes. Then he asked for seconds of the cloud puffs and thirds. Booboo watched with growing concern as her friend ate and ate, his eyes glazed over with chocolate induced joy. Kai Kai, she said gently. Maybe you should slow down a little. Just one more, Kai Kai mumbled, reaching for another surprise sphere. Just one more. He popped it into his mouth and chewed slowly. Then his expression changed. His eyes went from happy to uncertain. His tail, which had been wagging contentedly drooped. Kai Kai? Booboo asked. Are you okay? I think, Kai Kai said quietly. I might have eaten too much. His stomach let out a loud, unhappy gurgle. The flight back to the castle was very different from the flight there. Kai Kai flew slowly, his wings beating in careful, measured strokes. Every few minutes his stomach would make a noise that sounded like distant thunder. I'm okay, he kept saying, though he clearly wasn't. Just need to fly slowly. We're almost there, Booboo said encouragingly, though she was a bit worried. She'd never seen Kai Kai turn down food before, but when Willow had offered them treats to take home, Kai Kai had actually said no. When they finally landed in the castle garden, Kai Kai's landing wasn't as smooth as usual. He kind of flopped onto the grass with a heavy thud and lay there groaning softly. The gardener looked up and chuckled. Let me guess, he said, walking over. Too many treats, maybe, Kai Kai admitted from his spot on the grass. The gardener sat down beside him. You know, even the most wonderful things can make you feel terrible if you have too many of them. Chocolate trees are magical, but your stomach not so magical. I learned that, kaikai said miserably. Here's what helps, the gardener continued. Next time you find something delicious, enjoy it slowly. Taste it. Appreciate it. That way you get to feel good the whole time, not just at the beginning. Kai Kai nodded slowly. That makes sense. And maybe, the gardener added with a wink, don't eat 15 chocolate Cloud Puffs in one sitting. It was 17. Kai Kai corrected weakly. Booboo and the gardener both laughed. Come on, booboo said, helping Kai Kai, sit up. Let's get you some water and let you rest. You'll feel better soon. Do you think, Kai Kai asked hopefully. We can go back to that shop sometime when my stomach feels normal again. Definitely, booboo said. But maybe next time we'll share one treat instead of eating 17 each. Deal, Kai Kai agreed. As the sun began to set over the castle, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Kai Ki finally started to feel a little better. And though his stomach still felt uncomfortably full, he learned something important. Sometimes the best treats are the ones you enjoy. Slowly, and with the gentle sound of Bernice's snorts, Papa Bear turned down her light, gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, I love you, Little bear. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight, Sa.