Mason’s Night in the Woods

Mason and his dad were in the big woods. They had a big green tent by a lake.

It was Mason's first time sleeping in the woods. The sun went down behind the tall pine trees.

The sky turned dark and full of bright stars. The moon was round and yellow like a coin.

They crawled inside their warm, soft sleeping bags. Mason felt a little bit nervous and shaky.

He looked at the thin walls of the tent. The woods felt very big and very dark.

Suddenly, he heard a loud, long hooting sound. "Who is that out there?" Mason asked his dad.

Dad smiled and gave Mason a small flashlight. "That is just a wise owl," Dad said.

The owl was sitting high up in a big oak tree. It was saying hello to the night sky.

Then Mason heard a soft, quick rustling sound. It sounded like something was moving in the dry grass.

"What is that noise?" Mason whispered very softly. "That is just the wind in the leaves," Dad said.

The wind was blowing through the small bushes. It was making the leaves dance and play.

Mason felt his heart start to slow down. He was not as scared as he was before.

Next, they heard a small, sharp snapping sound. Mason did not jump or hide this time.

"Is that a tiny squirrel on a branch?" Mason asked. "Yes, it is looking for a late night snack," Dad said.

Mason felt very brave in the dark forest now. He knew all the sounds were just his friends.

The forest was busy but it was a safe place. The sounds were like a soft song to help him sleep.

Mason closed his eyes and felt very cozy. He hugged his pillow and breathed in the cool air.

He fell fast asleep in his big green tent. Camping was going to be his favorite thing to do.