When my three-year-old, Sophie, claimed a monster hid under her bed, I brushed it off as a child’s fear. But one night, a strange movement in her room proved her right, leading to a surprising discovery. I’m Hannah, a mom in Harlem, and this is how a frightful night added joy to our family.
As a children’s book author, I worked late, crafting stories while my kids, Sophie and eight-year-old Caleb, slept. My nights were silent, with tea forgotten as I sought ideas. One night, stuck, I shifted to the dining table, chasing inspiration. At 2 a.m., a light glowed from the kids’ room. Sophie, newly skilled with switches, was awake. I rushed in, finding her in her crib, crying, “Mommy, something’s under my bed!” I hugged her, saying, “No monsters, love.” She’d made up stories since moving rooms, wanting to sleep near me.
Caleb slept, holding his toy dinosaur. I told Sophie a story of a daring pirate, and she fell asleep. “I’ll be back,” I whispered, kissing her, and returned to work. My writing surged, ideas flowing. I checked the kids’ door, ensuring it was dark. At 3:30 a.m., Sophie’s cries startled me—she rarely woke twice. Nearing the room, I saw a shadow dart under the door, my stomach tightening. Inside, Sophie reached for me. Caleb’s blanket was off, and odd noises—rustling, whimpers—filled the air.
I turned on the light, grabbed a book for defense, and checked under the bed, nervous. A small puppy lay there, scared, on a scrap of cloth. “No monster, Sophie, just a sweet pup!” I said, showing her. She laughed, petting it. “How’d you get here?” she asked. Caleb’s shy glance revealed the truth. He’d begged for a puppy after a shelter event, but I’d set a ten-year-old pet rule. He’d smuggled this one. “Was it you, Caleb?” I asked. He nodded, guilty. I took his hand. “You can’t sneak things. You scared Sophie.”
He hugged her, saying, “I’m sorry.” Sophie grinned, “Let’s call him Bouncy!” Caleb’s eyes pleaded. With his birthday close, I smiled. “Bouncy stays.” The kids squealed, and Bouncy barked. Sophie’s truth and Caleb’s mistake taught me to listen and show kindness, making Bouncy part of our family’s story.
