Usual routine: She asks me to tuck her in and do a sweep of the bedroom before saying goodnight. I check the window to make sure it’s locked. I check the closet and show her that it’s empty. I even open all of her drawers to show that no little monsters are buried beneath her clothes. Always before leaving, I check under the bed and confirm with her – no monsters there. Or anywhere.

We’ll say goodnight and I’ll leave to do some light reading in the living room until her parents get home.

It was out of the ordinary for her to call me back into her room after we’ve already said goodnight. It couldn’t have been more than 15 minutes since I left. But I put my book down and headed back into the room illuminated by the moon. She looked similar as to when I had left her: tucked in tight, hair a little messy, finger nails freshly red from our manicures…she just seems more awake.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she tells me.

“Do you want me to check the room one more time?” I ask. She nods with appreciation.

I go over to the window and scan the outside. I ensure that it’s locked. “Nothing outside,” I tell her.

I move over to the closet and open the door. I step inside, put my arms up, and do a little twirl. “No monsters in here,” I say, as she smiles.

I open all of her drawers one by one, proving that nothing is hiding in the storage except for her pajamas and tshirts.

“Can you please check under the bed for me?” I walk over to her side and gently rub her arm. “Of course,” I gladly accept.

I put one knee down and reach for the sheet that conceals the space underneath her mattress. The threads feel cold.

I lift up the sheet and unveil where toys and blankets usually rest. I see a girl underneath the bed. Familiar…scared. She whispers and points upwards:

“That’s…not…me.”

I shudder. I slowly tilt my head upwards and see the girl that I tucked in is now standing on the bed. She’s growing. Sprouting.

I try to move but I can’t. I try to call for help but I can’t. My hands go numb. I can’t see. The room where I stood ceased to exist. I don’t know where I am. It’s loud. But quiet. Can somebody hear me? Do you know where Kailee is? Can anybody help?