- Translation by: eosonera
Good evening. What seems to be the matter? You can’t sleep?
Is that right? I’ve been going to bed early and waking up early lately, so I do not really have trouble sleeping, but it is quite tough, isn’t it?
If you have something you still have to do, I know exactly how that feels, and I will not force you to go to sleep.
But if all that is left is to sleep, you should try to get some rest even if it takes a little effort. After all, you will need to give it your all again tomorrow.
Now, what shall we do?
It might only be a bit of comfort, but… Shall I count sheep for you?
I’m honored that it would please you so much.
You must be tired. If you relax, you should be able to sleep soundly. Now, go ahead, please lie down.
Did you cover yourself properly with the futon? Your shoulders will get chilly if they’re uncovered.
Yes, well done. Now, let’s count.
One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four sheep, five sheep, six sheep, seven sheep, eight sheep, nine sheep, ten sheep.
Hmm? Why are you in such a hurry?
Isn’t this only the tenth sheep? I won’t get angry or snap at you just because you can’t sleep, so please don’t be so embarrassed. You won’t be able to sleep well unless you relax your body.
When I count sheep, do you imagine the sheep in your head? One by one, please imagine each sheep jumping over a fence.
In my house, sheep have not traditionally been a familiar animal. Even so, just imagine how fluffy they must feel. Don’t they look so comfortable that it makes you sleepy?
Try gently closing your eyes and picturing the sheep happily prancing together in a warm, cozy meadow. Does that help you relax a little?
I see. That’s good to hear.
Now, let’s continue counting.
Eleven sheep, twelve sheep, thirteen sheep, fourteen sheep, fifteen sheep, sixteen sheep, seventeen sheep, eighteen sheep, nineteen sheep, twenty sheep.
Huh? What’s the matter? Are you cold?
Ah, if you’re okay, that’s good. Have you ever heard of the saying “Keep your head cool and your feet warm”? Having a cool head and warm feet is considered good for both sleep and health. So if you feel a bit cold, it’s good to warm your feet when you sleep.
Just a fun fact. It would be terrible if you were to catch a cold, after all.
Again, please don’t try to tough it out, okay? Now, I think I will continue to count sheep. How about it?
Do you think you’ll be able to sleep?
Oh my, praising me that much won’t get you anything. But thank you very much.
Since you went out of your way to compliment me, I might as well keep going.
Twenty-one sheep, twenty-two sheep, twenty-three sheep. Twenty-four sheep, twenty-five sheep, twenty-six sheep, twenty-seven sheep, twenty-eight sheep, twenty-nine sheep, thirty sheep.
Have you started to drift off already? You are already pretty drowsy, aren’t you?
Oh, sorry. Did I wake you up? You can stay asleep like that, it’s fine. I shall make sure to count the sheep all the way to the end for you.
Okay, please keep your eyes closed like that. I will give it one more try. Is that fine? All right, here we go.
Thirty-one sheep, thirty-two sheep, thirty-three sheep, thirty-four sheep, thirty-five sheep, thirty-six sheep, thirty-seven sheep, thirty-eight sheep, thirty-nine sheep, forty sheep.
Forty-one sheep, forty-two sheep, forty-three sheep. Forty-four sheep, forty-five sheep, forty-six sheep, forty-seven sheep, forty-eight sheep, forty-nine sheep, fifty sheep.
We are only at fifty sheep, and you have already fallen asleep? I guess you must have been tired after all. There are so many hard workers among you all.
I still have to keep working hard so that all of you can sleep soundly like this. Now that you have been able to fall asleep peacefully, I think I will take my leave now. Good night.
Sweet dreams.