The Kissing Hand

In the quiet night of the forest, bathed in the silver glow of the moon, Chester the raccoon peered out of his cozy treehouse. The room was filled with comforting things: soft blankets, twinkling fairy lights, and a big stack of picture books. But tonight, Chester felt a bit different—his heart was fluttering with nervous excitement. You see, Chester was about to start school, and though schools are thrilling places full of friends and stories, this one felt a bit scary to Chester. “Mama, what if I miss you?” Chester asked, his small voice echoing in their wooden home. Mama Raccoon, wise and warm, picked Chester up and cuddled him gently. “Oh, my sweet Chester, I have a special secret just for you,” she whispered, a sparkle lighting up her eyes. “A secret?” Chester’s face lit up with curiosity. “What kind of secret?” “A wonderful, magical secret called the Kissing Hand,” Mama Raccoon revealed. She took Chester’s hand in her own and opened it gently. Then, she kissed the center of his palm, right above his heart line. Chester felt a comforting warmth spread through his hand and straight to his heart. It was as if Mama’s love was flowing into him like a warm stream. “Now, whenever you feel lonely or scared at school, just press your palm to your cheek and think, ‘Mama loves me, Mama loves me.’ That kiss will always be there with you,” she explained gently. “But what if the kiss wears off?” Chester asked, a hint of worry in his voice. “It won’t, my darling,” Mama assured. “A mother’s love is like the moonlight touching our tree—always there, always comforting.” Feeling reassured, Chester placed his tiny hand to his cheek, and his heart fluttered, not with nervousness but with love and adventure. “Thank you, Mama. I’m ready!” he declared bravely. The next morning, as the first rays of sun filtered through the trees, Chester scampered off to school. He met lots of new friends and learned about the wonders of the forest. Whenever he felt the tiniest bit nervous, he pressed his special kissed hand to his cheek. Like magic, he felt a loving warmth. “Hi Chester!” called out a friendly squirrel named Sam as he noticed Chester. “What’s that you’re doing?” Chester smiled and shared Mama’s secret with Sam. Soon, all the forest children were learning the magic of the Kissing Hand. They felt braver knowing their families’ love was just a kiss away. As the days passed, Chester happily explored his new world, knowing that Mama’s kiss was always there, keeping him safe and loved. That night, Mama Raccoon tucked Chester in. “Did you have a good day at school?” Chester nodded, yawning and snuggling deeper under his blanket. “Yes, and I shared your special secret.” Mama Raccoon smiled a wide, loving smile. “I’m so proud of you, Chester. Goodnight, my brave little raccoon.” “Goodnight, Mama,” Chester whispered, pressing his Kissing Hand to his cheek once more before drifting off to sleep, ready for another day of adventure and love.