The Scary Things

“Yali, it’s time to close your eyes and go to sleep now.”

Yali cuddled in closer next to me on the bottom bunk. Still doesn’t like falling asleep alone, two years later. Always asks, “Can you cuddle, Mama?” I don’t mind, of course.

“Come on, Yali. No more talking. Close your eyes.”

“But, Mama. I scared.”

“What are you scared of, Yali?”

“There’s ghosts and bears and clowns.”

“There are no ghosts and bears and clowns, Yali. It’s okay.”

He snuggled in closer. A few minutes later the little Colombian niño was sound asleep, safely removed from all scary things of the night.