Milo tiptoes across the wooden floor. The hallway is a pool of black shadow. He freezes, one clawed foot hovering.
A tiny wandering star flashes by. Milo gasps and backs away, clutching his belly. The light vanishes into the night.
He puts on his biggest boots and stomps around. 'I'm not afraid!' he yells at the empty room.
His boots are too big, and he trips over his own feet. The lantern glass fogs, and a moth bumps against it.
He gathers glowing Firefly’s from the garden and lines them up. But they yawn and blink off one by one.
He watches the last light fade. His lower lip wobbles. The jars feel cool and empty in his hands.
Milo pulls a blanket over his head to hide. He bumps into a chair and hears a soft rustle.
A silver-winged moth lands on his nose, tickling him. He giggles, and the moth flies to the windowsill.
He realizes the dark isn't all bad. One firefly lands on his fingertip, and he smiles softly.
Milo steps onto the porch, no longer trembling. He watches the fireflies dance in the dark woods.
The cool night air brushes his face. He takes a deep breath and feels brave.
One more firefly drifts close, tapping gently on the railing. Milo waves hello to the tiny star.
The cottage windows glow warmly from within, a safe haven against the endless dark.
Inside, the stuffed rabbit waits on the bed. Milo climbs up and snuggles under the covers.
He closes his eyes, listening to the crickets sing outside. The dark is just a friend now.
The house settles into silence. Outside, the stars blink slowly, watching over the sleeping monster.
