It was a warm and bright afternoon in Tarrytown, and Jay Jay and his friends were excited. Big Jake had told them earlier that morning that they were going on a big camping trip later that night, by Lightning Bug Lake.
"I'm so excited!" Squealed Tracy.
"Me too!" Added Herky.
"This is gonna be so much fun!" Decided Jay Jay. "What do you say, guys?"
Everyone was so excited, that they hadn't noticed that Snuffy had neglected to insert his opinion.
He had a good reason for it-he was scared of the dark.
Soon, Big Jake wheeled towards them.
"So kids, are you ready to go camping?" He asked them with a smile on his face.
"Yeah!" They all cheered in response.
"Well let's go before it gets dark!"
They took off. Snuffy was behind them.
…
Dragonflies were flying lazily over the sparkling Lightning Bug Lake as they got set up for the night.
Big Jake did roll call. Once he ensured that no one was missing, he explained what the plan was.
"Right, I need you all to get firewood for the camp fire." He instructed.
The younger air vehicles were excited – but Snuffy was still nervous.
'Oh dear' he thought sadly 'I don't the others to know I'm frightened. But what can I do?'
…
The night arrived too quickly. It wasn't raining, thankfully, but clouds billowed over the moon and easily dominated the stars. The only light was coming from the campfire. But even then, Snuffy was worried that it might go out.
For the rest of the day, the planes had played games and messed around to pass the time. Then as darkness fell, they lit the campfire and ate marshmallows and told ghost stories.
Now, the campfire had been doused and all were asleep.
Except Snuffy.
He was afraid that the ghosts, ghouls and monsters from their stories were going to get him whilst he slept. He kept looking around anxiously.
Soon, he decided that he should just shut his eyes. Maybe he'll fall asleep.
"Snuffy?" A voice asked.
The green plane opened his eyes and noticed that Jay Jay was still awake.
"What is it?" He asked. He just wanted to avoid the dark, and Jay Jay laughing at him.
"Are you okay? I noticed that you were even quieter than usual, but I didn't want to ask in case you didn't want everyone knowing about it." Jay Jay explained kindly.
"It's just… I'm scared of the dark." Snuffy admitted. "I wanted to be with you guys but I felt that my fears would hold me back."
"Snuffy, you should never let your fears hold you back. Imagine if you were a plane afraid of heights. You wouldn't fly until you learn to get along with them... You need to face your fears and see that things aren't as bad as they first seem." Jay Jay said wisely. "Look up at the sky." He added.
Snuffy did. The clouds had moved away now, leaving the moon in her radiant veils of light and the stars twinkled like tiny little candle flames far, far away.
"See? There just natural nightlights. They'll be there when you need them most." Jay Jay told him confidently.
"Thanks Jay Jay." Said Snuffy gratefully. "I feel a lot better now."
"You're welcome. Now let's get some sleep."
So Snuffy fell asleep, glad that he no longer felt afraid. He was also glad that he had a friend who could chase away the dark and bring light when there was no other light to be had.