Bayla puts on her oversized glasses and steps into the hallway. Ahuva Leah the curly bunny hops past.
Moshe the teddy bear waddles by, holding a tiny map drawn on a napkin. Bayla follows them toward the kitchen door.
Gavriel the puppy barks at a shadow that looks like a giant monster under the stairs.
Tatty the giant toe wiggles from behind the couch, startling Gavriel. He jumps into a pile of laundry. Bayla pulls Gavriel's leash gently.
Mommy the coffee cup rolls across the floor, leaving a trail of warm cinnamon steam. The steam forms a slippery path.
Moshe slips and slides onto the rug. Bayla grabs Mommy's handle to steady her before she tips over.
The front door creaks open. A dark corridor stretches impossibly long inside.
Bayla's knees knock together. Ahuva Leah hides behind her shoe. She takes a deep breath and holds out her hand for Moshe.
Moshe squeezes her finger. Gavriel licks her palm. They walk forward together through the dark.
The shadows are just coats hanging on hooks. Tatty gives a thumbs-up.
Bayla smiles. She feels safe with her family.
She takes one more step forward — together.