Soft light from the hall, warm soothing words, gentle, comforting arms. "It's okay, mommy's here now. Bad dream?"

In between sobs, "Monsters. In the closet."

"Shhhhhh, it's okay. There's no monsters in the closet, remember? We checked."

Thin cotton nightgown soaking up the tears. Tiny hiccups punctuating the sobs. "Could you check again?"

The closet door is opened, the light switched on - clothes, toys, shoes. No monsters.

"There, see? No monsters in the closet."

The room is dark again save for the dim light from the hall.

"But it was so real."

Comforting arms again, holding and rocking. "I know, sweetie, I know. Mommy's here. You're safe."

She lifted a hand to lightly touch her swollen and puffy cheek, the split lip. Not all monsters hid in closets.

THE END