“Essie, why aren’t you in bed?” It’s 2am and I’ve just found you sat on the couch reading. You’re curled up so small it’d be easy to not notice you there, a blanket piled on top of your petite form.
“Not tired. I got bored laying in bed.”
A big yawn gives away your lie, if I had to bet, there’s too much going on in that head of yours, and you needed an escape for a bit. I’ll be lucky to get you to bed tonight, but I can try.
“It looks like you might be getting tired now, want to come back to bed with me and see about getting a nap in?”
“Not really.” You’ve gone back to reading, looking away from me and trying your best to hide your yawns and head bobs.
I walk over and kneel down to be on your level before taking the book from your hands and setting it aside, “Come to bed and we can talk till you fall asleep. You only have to stay half an hour. If you’re still awake after that and want to read more, you can come back out here and read. Ok?”