It was the kind of evening where the sound of ‘90s mellow gold music caused a chorus among my feathered friends. They all chirped and sang to the beats of the music, as if mimicking the music’s exact melody.  Each having their own personality, they make a great family, including the newest member, Midnight, who is barely two months old.

Meadow chatters up a storm with energy like my kitten Taz, who is like an energy bunny, hence, the name Taz.  Midnight sits quietly, not quite finding his belonging with the feathered family, but is suddenly being welcomed into the nest with welcoming wings. Ashes, the oldest, sits on his usual perch, guarding the youngster that he guards in their castle. Sky blissfully explores every nook of the castle with a peaceful energy. They each are different, but their uniqueness makes for the perfect family.

Then something changed and each member of the flock sat frozen like a show on pause.

As dawn was beginning, and darkness close by, a flicker of light pulsed from across the room, sitting softly on the bed. Luma, a squishmallow kitty of comfort and relaxation. Her belly stars glowed brightly, mesmerizing the feathered family, as if gazing up at the emerging stars. Sky was the first to speak. “What do you think that is?” he asked tilting his head.

“Get back you three, as I explore this new glow,” said Ashes as a protective guard.

“Oh, what can you do about it Ashes, locked within this castle,” Meadow flew to Ashes perch, nudging him, “I find it brilliant, whatever it is.” Tuning out Meadow’s chatter in amazement, Ashes tilted his head back and for. Startled, the glowing plushie said, “Do not be afraid, dear friends,” her words were like an angel’s voice, “I am here to offer you and the person of all of us.”

Luma’s colors changed to the colors of a rainbow. Ashes, Meadow, Sky, and Midnight raised their heads.

“Wow, so pretty. So cool. I wish I could fly to her. This is exciting…” he started to say more but was silenced.

“Hush your chatter, Meadow. I am still cautious of this glowing plushie,” he said assertively, “although it does sound safe enough.”  When their person changed the music to soft and relaxing melodies, Sky, Midnight, and Meadow started swaying back and forth to the gentle rhythm.

“Common Ashes, relax, will you?” said Meadow, “You can’t deny the peacefulness of this melody and the flicker of glowing colors from…what is your name?”

“My name is Luma, and you must be Meadow. You are right. I am here only to create a peaceful and relaxing environment for the coming night,” he said gently, “Ashes, you can relax as I prepare everyone for the stillness and quiet of bedtime.

Ashes chest rose and fell as he gently took a deep breath. “Go to your own perch, Meadow, I am ready to sleep. As the sun disappeared into darkness giving rise to the rising moon, the feather family each went to their places. Sky on the bridge, Meadow on the highest perch, Midnight, feeling lost, remained on the middle perch, and Ashes nestled himself, burying his head under his wings.

With the music turned softly, their person reached for Luma, cuddling her in her arms, and Luma’s glow began to fade, preparing the room for sleep. Ashes had finally let down his guard, and let sleep come, while Meadow, Sky, and Midnight were already sound to sleep. Luma succeeded in creating a peaceful and relaxing night and closed her eyes to join everyone in their slumber.