WHERE..Matt falls sleep during story time with lyvia
The cozy glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, its light dancing across the illustrations of an open storybook. Matt Sturniolo sat on the edge of Lyvia’s tiny bed, his lanky frame awkwardly folded into the small space, but he didn’t care. This was their nightly tradition—story time before bed. Lyvia, a bundle of energy even in her soft pastel pajamas, had insisted on her favorite book tonight: “Adventures in Dreamland.” Her little fingers clutched her stuffed bunny tightly as she nestled into her pillow, her wide eyes glued to Matt. “Okay, Lyv,” Matt began, his voice low and soothing. “Once upon a time, in a land where dreams come to life…”
He paused dramatically, glancing at her to see her reaction. Her lips curled into a small smile, and she gave a tiny nod, encouraging him to continue. Matt smiled back, his heart full “…there was a little girl named Daisy, who was brave enough to explore Dreamland. But Daisy wasn’t alone, oh no. She had her loyal bunny sidekick, Mr. Hops.” He wiggled his fingers like bunny ears, making Lyvia giggle.
As he read, his voice grew softer, his words slowing. It had been a long day filled with playdates, errands, and back-to-back requests for snacks, and the weight of it all began to settle on him. “Mr. Hops… leaped into the… uh…” Matt mumbled, his eyelids growing heavier. He blinked a few times, shaking his head to stay awake.
“Into the what, Daddy?” Lyvia asked, tugging gently on his sleeve. “Huh? Oh, right. Into the magic river!” Matt exclaimed, jolting himself awake for a moment. But Lyvia wasn’t convinced. “You’re tired,” she said, her voice full of authority despite being so tiny. “You have to finish the story, though.”
Matt chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not tired, Lyv. Just… resting my eyes.” He tried to fight it, but as he continued reading, his voice became a low murmur. “And then… Daisy and Mr. Hops… they…” His words trailed off as his head tilted back, then forward, until finally, he slumped slightly to the side. His chin rested on his chest, and the book slipped from his hands, landing softly on the blanket. Lyvia sat up, frowning. “Daddy?” When he didn’t respond, she giggled, realizing what had happened. “You fell asleep!”
She carefully wiggled out from under her blanket, reaching for the book. Opening it to the last page Matt had read, she whispered to herself, “I can finish it.” But before she could start, Matt stirred, cracking one eye open. “Hey, wait a second… I didn’t fall asleep!” he said groggily, though the droop in his voice betrayed him. “Yes, you did!” Lyvia teased, her laughter filling the room.
Matt sighed dramatically, reaching to scoop her into his arms. “Alright, alright. Guilty as charged. How about this—I’ll finish the story tomorrow, and you tell me what happens next tonight?” Lyvia’s eyes sparkled at the idea. “Okay! Daisy and Mr. Hops find the magic river, and they… they jump in and float to a castle made of marshmallows!”Matt smiled, leaning back against the headboard as she continued her impromptu tale, her voice growing softer with every word. By the time she finished, her head was tucked against his chest, her breaths steady and deep.
He kissed the top of her head, pulling the blanket over her. “Sweet dreams, Lyv,” he whispered, letting himself drift off, this time intentionally, holding his little girl close.
