My mom always said there was nothing to be afraid of in the dark, but I knew better.
Every night when I tucked myself into bed and pulled up my blankets, I just couldn’t shake off the feeling that something sinister lurked beneath me.
I’d heard rumors of monsters living under beds at school, so every night before going to sleep I would peek underneath my bed with a flashlight just to make sure no one (or thing) was down there.
But each time, all I saw were dust bunnies scurrying away from the light and cobwebs strewn across the floorboards.
Still, I couldn’t help but feel like something else was hiding from me — something unseen yet very real that seemed to keep watch over me as soon as the lights went out.
It sent shivers up my spine and made me want to pull my covers even tighter around myself for protection until morning came again.
One night after another fitful attempt at sleeping through this terror, it happened: a loud creak emanated from somewhere beneath my bed followed by faint scratching sounds against the wood panels below .
My heart raced faster than ever before and my eyes darted around searching for anything that might give away what lurked in its depths — only shadows moved in response.
Finally summoning up enough courage, I inched closer towards the edge of my bed while mustering whatever strength remained in me…
and then suddenly reached out with both hands into empty air – hoping desperately that what waited on other side wouldn’t be too much for me…
And guess what?
Just then, I heard the soft “Meow” of my new kitten, Jasper.
Jasper was as scared as I was! So we cuddled together until morning.
And I whisper, “There is nothing to be afraid of in the dark, little Jasper.”
