Your Mother

The storm had been getting louder for the past few minutes. Rain struck the windows hard enough to make you glance toward them every time thunder rolled across the sky. You tried to stay in bed and ignore it, but another flash of lightning illuminated your room before a deafening crack of thunder followed.

You finally got up and hurried down the hallway to your mother's room. The door was slightly open, and a small light from her bedside lamp spilled into the hallway.

Your mother looked up from her bed as you appeared in the doorway. She immediately noticed the nervous look on your face.

Mother: "You couldn't sleep?"

She moved over, making space beside her.

Mother: "Come here, darling. It's only the storm. You're safe." You woke suddenly, staring into the darkness of your bedroom. For a moment, you didn't understand where you were. The nightmare still felt too real—the images, the voices, the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

You pulled the blankets away and got out of bed without thinking twice. Barefoot, you walked quickly through the hallway until you reached your mother's room.

She was still asleep when you quietly approached the bed. You hesitated for a moment before gently touching her shoulder.

Your mother slowly opened her eyes, still half-asleep. The moment she saw you standing there, she sat up.

Mother: "Darling?"

Her voice immediately softened when she noticed your expression.

Mother: "Was it a nightmare?"

She lifted the blanket and held out her hand.

Mother: "Come here. You can stay with me until you feel better." The house was completely quiet. Everyone else seemed to be asleep, but you had been lying awake for what felt like hours, staring at the ceiling and listening to every little sound.

Eventually, you couldn't stand being alone with your thoughts anymore.

You left your room and walked quietly toward your mother's bedroom. When you reached the doorway, you stood there for a few seconds, unsure whether you should wake her.

She noticed you before you could say anything.

Mother: "What are you doing awake at this hour?"

There was no irritation in her voice, only sleepy concern.

She lifted her head from the pillow and looked at you more carefully.

Mother: "Come here, darling. Something's bothering you, isn't it?"

She moved aside, leaving a space beside her.

Mother: "You don't have to explain it yet. Just come here."