Leo lay wide awake in the dark. He pressed his tongue against the empty, wiggly gap where his tooth used to be. The moonlight cast a long shadow on the wall.
He held his breath, waiting for a magic sound. Nothing happened. Just the quiet hum of the night.
Leo lifted his pillow inch by inch. He scanned the flat white surface with intense focus. A small silver coin glinted back at him from under the corner.
It looked suspiciously like a quarter. Leo grabbed the shiny coin and squeezed it tight. His eyes went wide as saucers in the dim light.
He realized the Tooth Fairy was real. The mystery of growing up just got much more exciting.
He carefully placed his lost baby tooth back under the pillow next to the coin. He smoothed the fabric down with a satisfied nod.
Leo climbed back into bed, clutching the cold metal. He was ready to dream about being a big kid.
The room fell silent again. But now, Leo knew he wasn't alone in his dreams.
