The car was moving.
Selenga leaned back in her seat. Her eyes felt heavy.
Outside, streetlights passed by. One after another. Yellow, orange, white.
Her eyes closed.
The Lights
A few minutes later, her eyes opened again.
The lights were still passing. But slower now. Like they were dancing.
Selenga watched.
Each light was like a star. But down below. Stars on the ground.
“Mommy,” she whispered.
Her mother turned around. “Are you asleep?”
"I don't know,“ said Selenga. ”A little."
The Night City
The city was different at night.
The streets that were crowded during the day were empty. Just a few cars.
A man was walking. He wore a jacket. Where was he going at this hour?
A café was still open. Two people sat inside. What were they talking about?
A cat stood by a trash can. It watched the car pass. Then it left.
Selenga watched all of this. Her eyes closed. Opened. Closed again.
The Gentle Sway
The car swayed a little.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
Like a cradle.
Selenga thought: The car is putting me to sleep. It's not me riding in the car—the car is carrying me. I'm small, and the car is big.
And that feels safe.
Coming Home
"We're here," said her father.
Selenga didn't want to open her eyes.
"We're home, sweetheart."
“I know,” said Selenga. Her eyes were still closed.
Her father lifted her. He carried her. He laid her in bed.
Selenga felt it. Warm. Blanket. Pillow.
“Goodnight,” said a voice.
“Goodnight,” whispered Selenga.
And outside, the streetlights kept shining. One after another. Yellow, orange, white.
She slept.
A Note for Parents
Perfect for bedtime. Short and peaceful. Ideal for families returning home late by car. The slow, gentle rhythm makes it perfect for reading aloud—your voice can match the calm pace of the story, helping your child drift off to sleep.