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Hello friends. We first have a message from our friendly sponsors. What if your ordinary house cat had an extraordinary secret? Susan thought Tucker was just a regular cat until he introduced her to Cat City, a magical world beneath her house. Now she's caught in an adventure where the stakes couldn't be higher. In the Rat King, the second book in the Adventures of Susan and Tucker series by Patty Larson, Susan's bad dreams turn out to be real. Kidnapped by enemies, it's up to Tucker, stuck in Cat City and facing the Rat King's forces to rally the cats and save his best friend before it's too late. Packed with mystery, adventure and heartwarming moments, the Rat King is perfect for readers who love daring heroes and thrilling twists. Find it wherever you buy your books and don't forget to tune in to the Rat King Podcast to experience the story in a whole new way. Follow the link in our show notes to learn more. Hello friends and welcome to sleept Stories. Every week we take a moment to celebrate the wonderful supporters who help make this show possible with special shout outs and birthday wishes. It's one of our favorite ways to connect and spread a little joy. Hello to Declan and Noah Van Ness. Mommy and Daddy love you both and are so excited to nourish your minds with the Sleept family. And hello to Maggie who lives in Kentucky and is turning 8 soon. You are smart, funny and kind and we're so proud to see you reading chapter books now. Love Mom. Happy belated birthday to Sothia Grady who turned 6. Your mom, dad, sister and the whole family loves you so much and are grateful to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday to isla from Victoria, BC, Canada who is turning 8. Mom and dad are super proud of the amazing person you're becoming and love watching you grow. Happy 8th birthday to Liam on January 19th from Mama, Papa and Lola. We love you very much. Happy 10th birthday Nora. We are so proud of you. You are an amazing daughter and the best big sister to Sebastian and Isla. Keep shining and doing what makes you happy. Love mom and dad. Happy 8th birthday to Frederick in Minneapolis. We love you to the moon and back. Love Mom, Dad, Charlie and Farrah. Happy 5th birthday to Layla from Philadelphia. Mom, dad, Amir, Ziad and Ace love you so much. And happy 7th birthday to Roscoe from Minnesota. All of our love from Mom, Dad, Brother Buster and sister Edith. We love you so much and are so proud of you. Happy Birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. If you'd like to support our podcast and enjoy ad free episodes, unlock bonus stories and so much more. You can join sleept Premium. Subscribe in Just two taps via the link in the show Notes now on to our story. Bernice is slowly making her way home from the school bus. She realizes that she is super tired from hockey, swimming, and all her schoolwork, so she and Papa talk about how they can help Bernice deal with all these things. Bernice is tired from hockey Bernice slowly climbed down the school bus steps, each step slower than the one before. With a weak hop, she finally made it to the bottom where Ethan was waiting. Are you playing a game, Bernice? Because you're walking super slow right now? Ethan asked, glancing back as the bus pulled away. Bernice didn't even wave goodbye to the bus driver like she usually did. Yeah, my legs feel like jelly or maybe licorice or something. And I'm so tired I actually yawned in math class. And I never yawn in math class. Sometimes in English though, bernice said, stopping another yawn. I guess I could give you a piggyback ride, but your bag looks super heavy and well, I don't know if I could do it. Ethan offered with a grin. Bernice laughed. Yeah, I could ride on your back through the snow. That might be fun, but I'll be okay when I get home. I'll get some energy from a snack or something. She trudged toward her house, dragging her boots through the snow like they weighed a ton. So why are you so tired? Ethan asked. You weren't up all night reading, were you? I remember that one time Bobby was so tired at school he kept falling asleep, even in art class. Yeah, and he made that crazy looking painting because he kept dozing off with the brush in his hand, Bernice said, laughing. Then there was the time he stayed up late building one of his robots. I remember that. Bobby's crazy about building robots, ethan said, shaking his head. He is. But no, I wasn't up reading or anything. I had hockey practice this morning really early and yesterday was swimming practice. Plus I've got a swim meet coming up. My body feels like jello. That's a lot of stuff. I thought you were going to be a runner. Yeah, I am. I'll be a great runner. Maybe even run in the Olympics someday. But we don't run much in the winter because of the ice and stuff. And Mama won't let me use the treadmill in the basement alone. Hockey is lots of fun, but I don't really like getting up early. I'm not a morning person. I'd rather sleep till noon. Ethan said as they finally reached Bernice's house. You need help getting to the door? He asked, half joking but ready to assist. Bernice laughed. I'll make it. I'm sure I'll feel much better after a dozen cookies or so. See you later, alligator, she called out as Ethan started to leave. After a while, crocodile, ethan replied, running toward his grandmother's house to make up time. Bernice opened the door, quickly closing it to keep all the warm air inside, and stamped the snow off her boots, creating a little snow pile just inside the front door. Papa and Cookie, I'm home. Bernice called out weakly. I hope those are cookies I smell and not parsnips. Even though I love vegetables, I think I really need cookies. No parsnips, Little Bear, just hot milk and honey oatmeal cookies for a treat. Come in when you're ready, papa Bear said from the kitchen in his impossibly deep voice. Bernice tried to take off her boots without sitting down, but every time she weakly tugged, her socks started to come off too. With a sigh, she sat down to try again. As soon as she pulled off the second boot, she heard the familiar thump of a cat jumping off a chair. Cookie trotted around the corner, meowing a greeting. Hi, Cookie. Did you miss me today? Bernice said, her words slurring as if she were too tired to speak properly. Cookie tilted her head and gave her a puzzled look. Sorry, Cookie, I guess I'm mumbling or something, Bernice said with a laugh. I'm just so tired. I am super tired because I not only am I studying a whole bunch and reading and stuff, I also have hockey practice and swimming practice and it is making me so tired I think I might sleep for a week. Except I can't because I have a swim meet and I really need to win. But how can I win if I'm this sleepy? Cookie meowed softly and moved closer for some pets. Thanks for listening, Cookie, bernice said, giving her a scratch behind the ears. Maybe I should go get a treat. Or maybe we could just nap right here, she added with a tired giggle. After hanging up her coat and making sure her wet boots were on the mat, Bernice shuffled into the kitchen, following the delicious smells. Hi Papa, she said, heading straight to the sink to wash her hands. She wanted to get down to business eating cookies. Little Bear, you're moving very slowly. Are you okay? Papa Bear asked. I'm tired, Papa. Maybe two dozen cookies will help. And since these are oatmeal, they should be healthy, right? Bernice said as she sat down. Papa Bear chuckled as he placed a steaming mug of hot milk and a plate of cookies on the table. I think a few cookies might be a good start. Why are you so tired? Because, Papa, I have to get up so early for hockey and swimming and I still have all my tests and stuff and I need to play with my friends and try to stay awake in class. How can I learn anything if I'm not awake? It sounds like all your activities are making you tired. I was wondering if maybe it was too much. And don't forget you have a swim meet this weekend too. Papa Bear said, settling into a chair with his tea. Yes. Yeah, and I'm worried about it, Papa, Bernice said, already reaching for her second cookie. Are you enjoying hockey? It's something new for you. Well, I wobble around a lot, but the coach says I'll get stronger with practice. I fall less now, but the boys can be rough and sometimes push me down. After a while I get upset and tell them I'll race them on the track this summer. I think I like running best and swimming after that. Maybe I should just play hockey for fun and basketball, too. I don't think I'll be going to the Olympics for hockey, Papa. It's not like you to get upset, Little Bear. And you're right. Hockey should be for fun. Why don't we take a rest from so many practices until after your swim meet? After a good break, you can think about what you really want to do. Are you excited about your swim meet? I'm a bit nervous, Papa. Over the summer when Bobby and I swam, I was getting super fast. But now I feel stuck, like I'm not improving. The other kids are getting better and I'm really happy for them. But I wish I was too. Remember, Little Bear, we all improve at our own pace. Cheer your friends on and they'll cheer you on too. Sometimes we improve really quickly at first, and then it feels like we aren't improving at all. But I'm sure you are getting better. It's just not as fast as before. Papa? Yes, Little Bear? Do you think I could have a couple more cookies? I think it'll help me do my homework, Bertnice said with a grin. Papa Bear laughed. Okay, I'll get you a couple more. So, other than being super tired, how was your day? Anything interesting happen or test results you want to share? It was just a normal day, Papa. Bobby had the sniffles, which means eventually all of us will have the sniffles. I think he always makes a big deal about needing to sneeze and he has the loudest sneeze in the whole school. Except for the vice principal, who probably has the loudest sneeze in the world. That's what we all think anyway. Everyone laughs when Bobby sneezes like that, but he got in trouble in English class when he did it. Papa Bear chuckled. I guess loud sneezes can't always be timed well. For lunch we shared like usual, but we made Bobby sit farther away because none of us wanted to catch his virus. I felt bad and gave him my apple. Oh, and Gertrude brought a cool lunch to share. It looked like tacos or something, and even though it was super spicy, it was really yummy. Bobby said his tongue was on fire and thought he should go to the nurse, but he didn't. The afternoon wasn't so great though. I was too sleepy. Papa Bear sighed. That's how it goes sometimes one person catches a cold and soon it's shared with everyone else. We better get you to bed early tonight so you're well rested in case you catch it too. Yeah, maybe I should go to bed early, Papa, Bernice said, letting out a great big yawn. I think I better finish my homework before I get so sleepy I can't pick up my pencil. Call me if you need help. Mama will be home soon and she can check on you. Thank you for the yummy, delicious cookies, Papa. You're welcome, Little Bear. After dinner and getting some help from Mama Bear with her homework, Bernice quickly went through her bedtime routine, crawled into bed and snuggled under her blanket. She called out, it's that time, Papa. What time is that, Little Bear? Papa Bear called from the kitchen where he was baking again. It's time for the Yawning Olympics, I think, she said before letting out another huge yawn. Papa Bear ran up the stairs, causing the whole house to shake. Papa, you're going to make the house fall down. Bernice said with a giggle. Mama would be upset if you did that. She certainly would. Papa Bear said with a laugh. Did you do everything you usually do before bed? Yeah, I think so. But maybe a little faster than normal. I'm sure I'm squeaky clean at least. Well, we wouldn't want you to be stinky, would we? Papa Bear teased with a grin. I'm never stinky. Well, not much. Bernice said with another giant yawn. I think you might win the yawning competition tonight, Little Bear. But you're in bed early, so hopefully a longer night's sleep will help you feel great tomorrow Yeah, I think so. Can you tell me a story, Papa? Just a short one. Then I'll listen to other ones after I fall asleep. Are you sure you can stay awake long enough? Papa Bear said, stopping a yawn of his own. Maybe you can just skip to the good parts of the Boo Boo and Kai Kai story. I like dreaming about chocolate trees sometimes. Are you comfy? Papa Bear asked. Yes, Papa. How about Twigga, Wolfy and Madeline? Are they comfy too? I think so. And what about you, Cookie? Papa Bear asked, looking down at the little cat who had jumped up on the bed and curled up next to Bernice. I think she's ready too, Bernice said, stroking Cookie's fur. Okay, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you the good parts of a super short story. Thank you, Papa, Bernice said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a big hug. 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 there were unicorns, fairies, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds and animals. It was a wonderful place. Just get to the good stuff. Bernice whispered to Papa Bear. What does the grove of chocolate trees look like? Papa Bear chuckled, cleared his throat and continued. Booboo and Kai Kai were at the Willow and Whisky Magical Treats shop at the base of a snowy mountain just north of Booboo's castle. In this special area, the chocolate trees only bloomed after the first snowfall. Today was that magical time. Kai Kai finished his last sip of cocoa and stretched his wings, snowflakes dusting them like powdered sugar. All right, Boo Boo, are you ready for the grove? After all these treats, I feel like I could fly to the moon. Boo Boo tightened her scarf. I've never seen a grove like this in the snow. Let's go before it gets dark. The grove wasn't far, but the snow had piled up quickly, turning the path into a sparkling tunnel of frosted trees. Instead of walking, Booboo climbed on Kai Kai's back and with a powerful beat of his wings, they were airborne, gliding gently over the treetops. Below them, the world shimmered as though dusted with magical fairy glitter. It looks like someone sprinkled sugar everywhere. Buboo exclaimed. It smells like sugar too. Kai Kai said, sniffing the air, his belly rumbling yet again. Moments later, they spotted the grove, a circle of magical trees blowing softly against the snowy landscape. The branches hung heavy with chocolate leaves in shades of milk dark and white, their edges glistening with frozen caramel. Cocoa pods dangled like ornaments, and tiny sugar sprites zipped between the trees, laughing as they played in the snow. As Kai Kai landed at the grove's edge, a cheerful sprite darted up to them. Welcome. You're just in time, Carmel. Streams are flowing and the snowberries are ripe. Booboo was excited. Snowberries? I've never tried those before. They're amazing. The sprite said, pointing toward a snowy patch where red and white berries glistened with special good magic. Just make sure to eat them quickly before they melt in your hands, Kai. Kai grabbed a handful of snowberries and popped them into his mouth. Mmm. This is really delicious. I feel like I might eat all of the snowberries in this part of the forest, he said, his tail swishing. Booboo tasted one, giggling as it fizzed in her mouth and turned into a puddle of berry juice. Yummy. As they wandered the grove, collecting cocoa pods and tasting snowberries, Booboo couldn't stop smiling. What could be better than magical treats in a magical forest? Bernice let out a loud snort, causing Papa Bear to chuckle softly. She was fast asleep, the story and her busy day having worn her out. Papa Bear tucked in her blankets, kissed her forehead, and turned off the light. I love you, little Bear, he whispered before quietly leaving the room. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight.