The Night Garden

1. NarratorSam was staying with his grandmother for the weekend. After supper, she held out a blanket.
2. Grandma RuthCome outside, Sam. I want to show you my garden at night.
3. SamBut it is dark, Grandma.
4. Grandma RuthExactly. That is the secret. Take this torch. I have covered it with red paper so it will not frighten anyone.
5. NarratorThey sat on the old bench under the apple tree. At first, Sam heard nothing. Then he heard small sounds all around.
6. SamWhat is that noise?
7. Grandma RuthListen. That is a cricket. And the other one, high and soft, is a bat.
8. NarratorA sweet smell floated across the lawn. Grandma Ruth pointed at some pale flowers by the path.
9. Grandma RuthThose flowers open in the evening. They only smell at night. Moths come to visit them.
10. NarratorSam looked carefully. A large pale moth fluttered between the flowers, dipping its long tongue into each one.
11. SamIt is like a tiny helicopter!
12. Grandma RuthShh. Keep still. Somebody else is coming.
13. NarratorSomething moved near the hedge. It was small and round and it snuffled in the grass. Sam held his breath.
14. SamIs that a hedgehog?
15. Grandma RuthIt is. I think she is hunting for beetles and worms.
16. NarratorThe hedgehog walked right past the bench. She did not seem to notice them at all.
17. SamShe is so close. Can I touch her?
18. Grandma RuthNot tonight. Wild animals are happier when we only watch.
19. NarratorThe hedgehog disappeared under the hedge. Sam let out a long breath.
20. SamGrandma, this is amazing. I never knew the garden was so busy at night.
21. Grandma RuthMost people are asleep, so they never find out. Do you want to come out again tomorrow?
22. SamYes, please. Can we bring a notebook? I want to write down everything we see.
23. Grandma RuthThat is a wonderful idea. We could draw the moth, too.
24. NarratorThey walked back to the house together. Sam looked back once. In the dark garden, the flowers were still open, waiting for the next visitor.

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