1The rain made little paths down Milo's window. His lamp made a warm circle on the floor. "Bedtime, little mouse," said Mama. Milo looked at his blocks. He looked at his boat. He looked at the picture he had started. "But I haven't finished my day."
2"One more block," said Milo. He put the smallest block on top. The tower leaned, then stood. "Could your tower rest now?" asked Mama. Milo gave it a very small wave. "Goodnight, tower. You can be a castle tomorrow."
3His little boat was waiting beside the wash bowl. "One more trip?" Milo asked. Mama held out a dry cloth. Milo made a harbor on the shelf and tucked the boat inside. "Goodnight, boat. The sea will still be there tomorrow."
4At the window, the rain went tip, tap, tip. "Does the rain have to go to bed?" "It can keep tapping while we rest," said Mama. Milo pressed one paw against the cool glass. "Goodnight, rain. You can sing outside."
5On his desk lay half a yellow sun. "I forgot the other half," said Milo. Mama set the yellow pencil beside it. "There will be room for that in tomorrow." Milo smoothed the paper flat. "Goodnight, picture. Save a little sunshine for me."
6Milo's feet had carried him all day. Now they felt heavy. His paws felt heavy too. He climbed into bed. Mama lifted the blue quilt. "Goodnight, busy feet. Goodnight, busy paws." Milo curled his tail beside him. There was nothing he needed to carry.
7Mama bent to kiss his forehead. "Wait," whispered Milo. "One more goodnight." He reached both paws around her. Mama held him close. "Goodnight, Mama." "Goodnight, my little mouse." This one did not need a tomorrow. They could stay in it for a moment.
8The lamp clicked off. A little blue evening light stayed at the window. The tower stood. The boat rested. The yellow pencil waited. Outside, the rain went tip, tap, tip. Milo let his eyes close. His day was finished for now. Tomorrow could wait until tomorrow.
