The Nightmare

Mommy, come back! Mommy!

My feet are stuck. Breaking free, I run to Daddy.

“Where’s Mommy? I want Mommy!”

I climb into bed. I need to wake Daddy—I need to awaken. She’s crying.

My haze clears in an instant.

Her arms are suddenly around my neck. The strength in her little fingers reveals her fear.

She keeps crying—Mommy, Mommy.

Rubbing her back, trying to calm her. She feels so small in my hands.

“It was just a bad dream. Mommy is fine. She’ll be home soon.”

“But, I saw her. She was scared. She needs me.”

“Mommy is fine. I talked to her yesterday. She’ll be back soon.”

“How about, I let you talk to her next time?”

“No, I need to talk to her now. She needs me.”

“Shhh, shh…” Rocking her gently, she finally calms. She believes me.

Carrying her back to bed. Tucking her in. Kissing her head goodnight.

She’s exhausted, is this too much?

She believes me, but feeling hollow inside—I begin to wonder.

Every footstep weighs more and more. What if she’s right?

Back in bed, but sleep no longer brings relief.

Who tells the lies to get me back to sleep? Who convinces me?