Hello and welcome. I'm Joanne, your host, and tonight I'll be sharing the Princess Mouse, a charming Finnish

folk tale that was originally featured on the podcast on February 28th of 2023.

This delightful story is all about surprises, fate, and the unexpected ways love can blossom.

It has just the right touch of whimsy and magic, making it a perfect bedtime story to help you drift off to sleep.

Since so many of you enjoy listening to old favorites again, I thought this would be a wonderful time to rebroadcast the story.

Whether it's your first time hearing it, or you're revisiting it like an old friend,

I hope it brings you comfort and rest tonight.

Before we begin, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who support the show.

If you'd like to enjoy bonus bedtime stories

and early access to some episodes, you can check out the Drift Off premium feed through the link

in the show notes. Your support helps keep the podcast ad-free, allowing me to continue creating

these sleepy stories just for you.

And now, let's take a few moments to settle in for sleep.

Go ahead and make yourself comfortable,

letting your body sink into your bed.

Gently close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in and out.

Let go of the day, releasing any tension with each exhale. Now imagine yourself standing at the edge of a quiet meadow at dusk.

The sky above is painted in soft pinks and purples,

and a gentle breeze carries the sweet scent of wildflowers.

In the distance, you hear the soft chirping of crickets,

a soothing lullaby from nature itself.

You take a few slow steps forward. Feel the cool, dewy grass beneath your feet.

...