The Monster Under My Bed

There is a monster under my bed. He's nice, with big orange eyes and faded purple fur. He stays under the bed, watching and waiting for something. Ever so often he chews on the remaining garbage on the floor, pop tart wrappers and stinky socks. I'm afraid to feed him; he promises that he won't hurt me. Something deep down tells me otherwise. The monster under my bed has big, orange paws- like that of a bear- and walks on four legs. I sometimes play with him, watching him from under my bed. The Abyss, as he calls it. Filled with unknown secrets, horrible nightmares, and broken wishes. I believe him. 
The monster under my bed is fluffy like my old, stuffed bear named Pablo. I sometimes pretend that the monster is a dragon, Pablo being the knight and watch them fight. Even though the monster's claw could cut me, he plays nicely. The monster under my bed only comes out at bedtime, rolling under with fangs beared. He licks his lips, ready. He protects me from something darker than he. Something with bigger fangs, sharper eyes, and quick reflexes. Matted fur pressed hard against the creature's body, sharper claws that could slice their skin, and red eyes- red like my blood. The monster under my bed protects me from this beast, resting his big, purple paw on the bed. He knows I'm scared. I don't mind. 

I've only seen this beast in the daytime when the monster under my bed is sleeping. I wander away from the beast, aimlessly towards the hazy yellow kitchen light with breakfast in my hands. The beast promises to protect me from anything, including the monster under my bed. I believe him. Two big windows are in my kitchen, letting in the milky light in. Seems to show me what the real world is like. I don't bother. All I want is to be in my bed, protected by the monster that lays within. I still hold Pablo close, shallow promises running down my face. The monster under my bed tries to cheer me up. I yell, throwing Pablo at his stupid, purple face. Now, his paws are on my arm, gripping hard. 
The monster under my bed stands in the rain outside. I don't remember why. I do know he liked to see the outside. It is cold outside. The clouds are hiding the sun. Rain falls slowly, almost in a dull form.

It drips and it drips and it drips. Nothing drops. The world is still for a while. The monster under my bed looks at me, releasing my arm. My purple dress I was wearing, is covered in water. A puddle forms under me, reflecting the trees and the sky. The monster blinks slowly, grabbing out for my hand. We went on an adventure in the rain, in my backyard. The mud covering my sandals, soaking through my socks and feet. I look up. The rain is falling faster and faster, in a sleet formation. I don't remember where the monster under my bed was taking me; somewhere far from the creature back home. 
We come across a valley, slick with brown clay. Our footprints marked as fossils. The river was faster than usual, but the monster wanted to cross. I was hesitant. The monster pleaded. I said yes. The mud feels cool on my hair, sticking in clumps. The water moves over my face like a blanket. It stains my purple dress. I don't move. Rocks are moving under my back, as I see the monster under my bed blink. His orange face is caked in mud. A clear, blank slate is in place. The sky's getting darker, the clouds closing together. 
I close my eyes. The water trickling faster. Voices are yelling, dogs barking. When I was awake, I was in bed. Staring at the window. It was a pretty, blue sky outside. I leaned down over my bed, to see if the monster was there. The Abyss was yawning and moving. Blackness swallowed my hopes. I felt naked. I was alone. 
I slept. When I awoke, there was a green paw with purple dots. It belonged to creature with big, blue eyes and a toothy grin. He was silly. Funny. Kind. He said he would protect me, I replied with no. When the creature asked why, I simply said, "I already have someone to do that for me." 

The creature was gone. I was sad. I tried to make a sandwich, but I was scared of the beast that lurked in the kitchen. I was wearing my white nightgown when I went outside. It was cold. Instead of rain, it was ice. I brought a baggie- a tuna sandwich, and a bottle of pop. The house seemed distance as I walked into the woods. The trail was covered in loose snow and crackling ice. The fossil was still here. A warm feeling washed over. The river was frozen over but you can see the water running down. I gently walked over the ice. My boot got caught on a stick. I pulled. And pulled. And pulled. It finally let go, causing me to stumble. Half of the river wasn't frozen; just pretending. I was alone. I was scared. The cold water splashed on me, causing my nightgown to fade. My baggie full of food was soaked. Not like it mattered.
Sleeping was on my mind. When I was awake, a purple body was a few feet away from me. Staring. Questioning. I tried calling out, but nothing came. I looked up in vain feeling a strong feeling in my chest. Numbing feeling in my legs. The purple creature was just looking, not deciding to help. I clawed at the frozen clay. It wouldn't help. As I was struggling, the orange creature didn't budge. It must be the monster under my bed- it has to be. 

The water numbed my legs. I felt my breath weakening. With my last cold air, I muttered "Help me." My hand fell from the frozen clay. The last thing I remember was the sky- a brush stroke of yellow, grey, and pink. And I closed my eyes. 
As I lay in my bed again, replaced with my ducky PJ's, I saw the same faded purple hand resting by my side. I grinned, reaching out to the same fuzzy hand as before. 

I forgotten about the monster under my bed, but every now and then, I feel the stare. A good stare. A reminding to never forget or to forgive. Just do.