“Emma.” Nanu exclaimed, “Why are you out of your bed?”

“I’m scared of the monsters hiding under there,” Emma sobbed.

“Oh! I understand,” nodded Nanu, as she held out her arms.

 With Emma snuggled into her lap,  Nanu whispered in her ear,

“I remember when I was a child and used to get scared.”

“What did you do?” Emma asked, whispering back.

“Hiding under the covers was my favorite safe place.”

“But what about the monsters?  Weren’t you afraid?”

“Well, I’d leap into bed from at least two feet away,

right into the safe space, smack-dab in the middle.

Then, I’d yank the covers up over my head,

staying perfectly still, with my eyes shut tight,

my legs close together and my arms at my sides,

so not any part of me would hang over the edge.

Then I felt safe from anything under the bed.

I’d wake up next morning still frozen in place

with my arms a bit cramped from being held close.

But, I’ve always been safe from the monsters at night.

And as you can see, that’s been a long while.

It’s been seventy years, since I was your age.”

Emma studied Nanu’s wrinkles and very white hair,

thought about it a moment, then nodded her head.

Her grandmother’s story had made her feel bold.

“My bed will be my safe place,……at least ‘til I’m old.”