CRASH!
The sound of feet running down the hall could be heard even over the thunder. When she got to the doorway, my name was called out softly.
CRASH!
Her small body fell to the ground in fear, and I awoke. I heard her moaning, and motioned for her to come to my bed. She crossed the room, slowly and nervously, until the thunder sent her running to my side. She crawled in beside me, and I sat up. I put my arm around her for comfort.
A flash of lightning, and she buried her face in my neck, holding on tightly to my arm. I stroked her hair. "I thought you loved storms like these."
"I did...but I had a bad dream about them...I'm not sure I like them anymore."
"What happened?"
"It took you away."
"Hey, it's just a dream. It's not real." I lifted her chin. "Look at me. I'm here, aren't I?"
She nodded, and wiped her wet eyes. "But...it seemed so real. What if...it happens one day?"
"Shh. Don't think about it." I brushed her hair out of her face with my hand. "Are you ok?"
"I think so."
Without a word, I lay back down and turned away from her. After a few seconds, she shifted positions and put her arm around me.
"Aika?" Her voice was still shaky.
"I'm here, Chiyo." I patted her hand. "I'm here."
She said nothing else. I realized that she had fallen back asleep.
"Oyasumi." I whispered, then closed my eyes.
(please visit my main thread for my notes about this.)