When I was about six, my sister had me CONVINCED there were monsters under the bed. If I turned off the ceiling light, I had to make a flying leap from the doorway to the bed, or the monsters would get me.
I'm 57 years old and I *still* sometimes do that. My husband has more or less given up on asking why.
I love that you provided an explanation for the creaking floorboards. I always wondered why that always seems to happen at night. Was this something you researched?
I sometimes research, but not always. When I do research for a story, I usually write first then use the research to determine if what I wrote was accurate (or close enough) and if it matters.
I live in a modern apartment now, but used to live in a 119-year-old house, which creaked all the time.
This story really brings me back to my childhood. I remember seeing “shadow people” (as my brother and I used to call them) dancing in the dark. Excellent story, Bill!
I used to be afraid of the dark, too. I told stories to my brother so that we could both fall asleep at the same time. I think that's why I write. I'm just telling stories to myself, trying to keep the dark away.
You just reminded me: I always wanted to fall asleep before my sister (we shared a room when I was little) because I didn't want to be awake in the dark alone. I never fell asleep before her.
A terrific story. I was secretly pleased the troll turned on his parents. I felt the father was being rather heartless forcing his child to grow up before he was ready. Now, I’m left gleefully wondering what moth will visit him in his adult bed. But I did feel poor Mum was getting a raw deal when she had done nothing wrong. Maybe the moth will be kind to her. 🙏🏽
Great story, Bill. Is it possible these parents got what they deserved? Why the hell not leave a night light on for a child who has night terrors?? Makes no sense! How many times did I wake up as a child having slept curled up on the carpet next to my parents bed, because I was terrified in the dark of my own room. I still leave the light on... You brought back a vivid memory.
For a minute there, I was thinking how smart the dad was to come up with a story like that, but no dad is as powerful as a kid's imagination. Great surprise ending!
So scary! A great Halloween story.
Thank you! I like spooky stories, especially around Halloween.
When I was about six, my sister had me CONVINCED there were monsters under the bed. If I turned off the ceiling light, I had to make a flying leap from the doorway to the bed, or the monsters would get me.
I'm 57 years old and I *still* sometimes do that. My husband has more or less given up on asking why.
I feel your fear. I was TERRIFIED of the dark when I was a kid. I still see things that I hope aren't there.
If you see them, or hear them, or feel them, they're there. They're just not perceived by other people.
I now have a cat who keeps a watchful eye out for ghosts.
God bless his furry vigilance.
What do you do when he tells you one is there?
1. Turn on all the lights.
2. Hide under the blanket. (My default hiding place when I was a kid.)
Oh, Virginia, this is so wise. Thank you
I love that you provided an explanation for the creaking floorboards. I always wondered why that always seems to happen at night. Was this something you researched?
I sometimes research, but not always. When I do research for a story, I usually write first then use the research to determine if what I wrote was accurate (or close enough) and if it matters.
I live in a modern apartment now, but used to live in a 119-year-old house, which creaked all the time.
This story really brings me back to my childhood. I remember seeing “shadow people” (as my brother and I used to call them) dancing in the dark. Excellent story, Bill!
Thanks for your kind words, Justin. I'm glad you liked the story.
When I was a kid, ghosts lives in my room's windows blinds.
At least it was the Mosquito Monster! That’s some old-school parenting there. He obviously hadn’t seen the Pixar movie Monsters.
Oh yes. There are worse bugs.
The Moth Monster!! Of course! Ingenious! ““You’re too old for a night light.” Where was this story 3 years ago! 😂
Thanks, Alexander. I'm happy you liked The Night Light.
Beware the Moth Monster! We're never too old for night lights.
I used to be afraid of the dark, too. I told stories to my brother so that we could both fall asleep at the same time. I think that's why I write. I'm just telling stories to myself, trying to keep the dark away.
You just reminded me: I always wanted to fall asleep before my sister (we shared a room when I was little) because I didn't want to be awake in the dark alone. I never fell asleep before her.
I like your approach to writing stories.
Such a great story! Brings back childhood memories!
Thank you, Christina. I'm glad you liked The Night Light. I spent my childhood thwarting darkness, too.
A terrific story. I was secretly pleased the troll turned on his parents. I felt the father was being rather heartless forcing his child to grow up before he was ready. Now, I’m left gleefully wondering what moth will visit him in his adult bed. But I did feel poor Mum was getting a raw deal when she had done nothing wrong. Maybe the moth will be kind to her. 🙏🏽
Thank you for your kind words, Ann. I'm glad you enjoyed The Night Light.
Monsters sometimes instinctively know whom to pursue and are also sated by one victim. I think the mother will be okay. (Fingers crossed!)
One substantial fear replaced by an even more substantial one doing real damage.
Right? Better the fears we imagine than the evils that are real.
Great story, Bill. Is it possible these parents got what they deserved? Why the hell not leave a night light on for a child who has night terrors?? Makes no sense! How many times did I wake up as a child having slept curled up on the carpet next to my parents bed, because I was terrified in the dark of my own room. I still leave the light on... You brought back a vivid memory.
There's no harm with leaving a kid's night light on, but making them give up that light--that's not good at all.
I didn't like dark rooms when I was a kid; the night light comforted me and helped me fall asleep. It might actually have kept the monsters away, too.
I'm glad you enjoyed The Night Light, Sharron.
Right you are.
Good story!
Thanks, Todd.
If his parents make it through the night, Stevie is going to have some 'splainin to do 🤭
That's for sure!
For a minute there, I was thinking how smart the dad was to come up with a story like that, but no dad is as powerful as a kid's imagination. Great surprise ending!
Thanks, Virginia. I'm glad you enjoyed The Night Light and especially the ending. Kids are wise to be afraid of the dark.
85% more bad things happen in the dark than in the light.
I just made that up, but still...
85 percent, except for when I'm in the dark. Then it's 95 percent. ;-)