• It was a windy night without a moon or star. Tree branches continued to bang against Sara's window. She layed in bed, terrified, with her covers over her head. Holding her knees and clenching her worn, old teddy bear, she chanted over and over "I am not scared, there's nothing to be scared of, i won't run to mom-" A sudden SNAP and rattle from her window left her wringing her teddy bear into a uncomfortable shape. Slowly and carefully, looking side to side, Sara crept out of bed and tiptoed to the door. Shaking as she opened the door and peered down the dark and silent hallway. Shadows danced from wall to wall from the window as she walked past the nightlight. The wind howling outside made her heart thump so hard. Finally reaching the big brown door, Sara turned the cold, brass knob. and looked into the room. "M-mommy?" A figure stirred on the bed and slowly rised. "What is it honey?" Running onto the bed and into her mother's warm arms, Sara couldn't help but cry. "I'm scared! There are monsters out there! I heard a snap outside!" Her mother chuckled but wrapped her arms around her, slowly rocking back and forth. "Do you know... How much i love you?" The little girl shook her head as her eyelids fluttered up and down, trying to stay open. "I love you so much that i will never let anything hurt you. I love you so much that i will protect you till you become a brave, big girl." Looking down at her child she whispered in her ear. "But soon you will leave me, all able to fend for yourself telling your own children how much you love them..." Sara hugged her mother tight. "Mommy, when that time comes, i'll tell them how much i love them. But, i'll always come back... To tell you how much i love you. So when i'm big enough to fend for myself, I'll come back. I'll come back to protect you too!" Laughing, the mother picked up the child back to her room. "I'll be waiting then. To also tell you how much ... I love you."