HOME | DD

Description
It always happens around this time…
It's been happening for almost a week now; every night.
So I lie on my bed, and pretend to sleep… wondering what it'll be tonight.

I hear the door open behind me; I don't need to turn around to know who it is.
"What is it Sam? Do you need anything?" I ask softly, my words coming naturally, following its daily routine. I could almost feel him hesitating, before he replies, just as softly "nope… just wondering if you fell asleep."

The door shuts close. I watch the clock, and count the minutes, knowing it'll happen again. Five…eight…fourteen…sixteen…

"Mom? Are you asleep?"
I turn around this time, and see him poking his head around my door. I smile at him, and shake my head. "Do you need anything?" I ask once more.

"Erm… it's just that… I heard that there was a lot of burglary happening these days… are you sure you activated the alarm?" he asks, stuttering at the beginning and gradually gaining speed as he builds his story; until he's almost tripping over his words.
I hide my exasperation, and nod at him in reassurance.

The door shuts close once more.

I watch the clock once more, knowing that he'll wait longer to come in again.
He's been doing this all week… ever since our neighbor, Mrs. Lee, passed away in her sleep. He wakes me up a few times each night, coming up with bizarre excuses each time, until he finally falls asleep himself.

And in the morning? He races in to wake me, his face always anxious.
I know that this to will pass, like every other thing does in a 10 year olds life. Yet I need to reassure him, and didn't know how.

The clock ticks by slowly, and I move around restlessly, until finally, I found it!

It's me who pads quietly this time, creaking open his door, and peeping though the doorway.
"Sam? Are you awake?" I call softly.
He turns around immediately "What is it mom? Do you need anything?" he asks, his squeaky voice imitating my concerned one perfectly.

"Erm… it's just that…well, ever since you brought up the story about the burglars, I'm feeling too restless to fall asleep all alone. Can I sleep here with you?" I ask, trying my best to look anxious; calling up an image of his for guidelines.
He rolls his eyes at me and scoots over, but I see the relief in his eyes before he closes them.

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think a cuddle will make you feel better?"

I move in to fold him into my arms, and smile against his hair. He's been coming up with excuses all week; I think I can handle the next… after all, I am his mom.