When the Boy Falls Asleep

There once lived a cheerful and curious boy named Oliver. He loved to play, build, explore, and learn new things.

Every evening, his mother would say, "It’s bedtime, Oliver!" But he would frown and answer, "No, I don't want to! I haven't finished playing yet!"

"Why does everyone say that sleep is magical? It’s just boring time when nothing happens!" he grumbled.

Oliver would run around the room, build towers of blocks, and read books until late at night. And in the morning, he would wake up tired and a little bit sad.

One evening, when Oliver again didn't want to go to bed, a soft, warm light appeared in the corner of his room. The light began to thicken and turned into a small fluffy creature with large, shining eyes.

The creature smiled and said, "Hi, Oliver! My name is Marshmallow, and I’ve come to show you how wonderful the world of dreams is!"

Oliver was very surprised and excited. He almost felt like being scared, but Marshmallow looked so small, soft, and warm that the fear faded away on its own.

Marshmallow climbed onto the bed and warned him, "But only if you go to sleep will you be able to get there."