The Secret of Naps

Mama Tiger found Tiggy huddled at the base of a giant banyan tree, his little tiger body trembling. The jungle, usually a symphony of chirps, rustles, and roars, had fallen into an eerie, hushed quiet. Even the buzzing insects seemed to be taking a break. Tiggy sniffled, a tiny, pathetic sound that tugged at Mama Tiger’s heart. She padded closer, her massive paws moving with a silent grace that belied her size.

“Oh, my little cub,” Mama Tiger purred, her voice a low rumble of comfort. She nudged him gently with her nose, her fur soft and warm against his. Tiggy leaned into her, burying his face in her thick mane. He still felt a little bit scared, the bigness of the quiet jungle pressing in on him.

“I… I don’t like it, Mama,” he whispered, his voice muffled. “It’s too quiet. And everyone is sleeping.”