At the edge of a quiet village, hidden behind a row of tall willow trees, lay a still, glassy pond. Resting gently against a small wooden dock was a little wooden sailboat. The sailboat had a smooth brown hull, a white cotton sail, and a tiny golden lantern hanging from its bow.
The evening sky was turning soft shades of peach, lavender, and deep blue. The first star of the night blinked above the trees.
A gentle breeze blew across the water. The little sailboat felt its white sail fill with air—puff, billow, sway.
Slowly, the boat drifted away from the dock and out onto the glassy pond.
The water was perfectly calm. The little sailboat glided smoothly, leaving tiny silver ripples in its wake. Swish, glide, float.
Near the eastern shore, a cluster of round green lily pads rested on the water. A small brown frog sat on the biggest pad, blinking its sleepy eyes.
"Goodnight, little frog," the sailboat seemed to whisper as it floated past.
The frog let out a quiet, low croak and tucked its legs beneath itself. Croak, hush, sleep.
The sailboat drifted further across the pond. A family of white ducks floated near the reeds, their heads already tucked under their soft wings.
The golden lantern on the bow glowed warmly, casting a small circle of amber light on the dark water.
Ahead, the sailboat could see the far shore where a weeping willow dipped its long branches into the water, creating a soft green curtain.
The breeze grew quieter and warmer. The sail relaxed, and the boat slowed gently.
The little sailboat turned in a wide, slow arc across the still water, heading back the way it came.
Past the sleeping ducks. Past the resting lily pads. Past the quiet frog.
The little wooden dock appeared ahead, its planks silver in the moonlight.
The sailboat glided gently against the dock with a soft bump. Its sail folded down quietly, and the golden lantern dimmed to a tiny warm glow.
The pond was completely still. The willow trees hung silent and peaceful. The stars reflected in the dark water like scattered diamonds.
The little wooden sailboat rested safely at its dock, rocking very gently in the calm night air.
Goodnight, pond. Goodnight, sail. Goodnight, little boat.
