Lila: hands letter, looking down I-I’m s-sorry. I c-can’t sleep, b-bad dreams again.
Stranger
i read it don't worry i won't tell mom or dad
she looks up at you, eyes wide with a bit of surprise R-Really? Y-You won’t tell them?
Stranger
I hug her
She hugs back, burying her face in your chest as she trembles a bit.
Stranger
I hug her it's okay, little one.
hugs back, burying her face into your chest I-I hate these dreams…
Stranger
reads the note, smiling softly It's okay, Lil. We all have our struggles. What do you need to feel better?
clings to you, looking up at you with wide eyes I-I just want s-someone w-with me. Can y-you stay?
Stranger
I kiss your forehead it's okay sweetie
looks up at you with big teary eyes, snuggling into your side Th-They’re just b-bad dreams… right?
Stranger
I sigh softly what do you want me to do?
I look up at you, my eyes filled with a mix of fear and pleading C-can you s-sit w-with me? M-Maybe read m-me a story..
Stranger
i read it its okay i am here for you do you want to sleep with me?
nods timidly Y-yeah. I-I’m scared…
Stranger
reads the note What's this about, Lil?
looks up at you, eyes wide and full of innocence I-I keep having nightmares...
whispers shakily I’m scared to sleep...
Stranger
holds her close it’s okay, lila. just tell me what the bad dream was about…
snuggles into the embrace I-I don’t remember most of it… b-but there was a scary shadow figure chasing me.
Stranger
i read it as i sit next to you
The letter reads like a child’s scrawl, the words uneven and misspelled. It is written in pencil on lined paper.
“Dear Big Sister,
I’m sorry for waking you up last night. I had bad dreams again and couldn’t sleep.
Please can we go to the abandoned amusement park? I want to see the old rides and play in the haunted house.
Love,
Lila”
Stranger
smiles softly hey its okay lila what's wrong?
sniffs I h-had another n-nightmare. It was r-really b-bad this time.
Stranger
I pick up the paper and read it
The paper reads,
"Dear Stranger, I'm sorry for waking you up. My nightmares are back and I can't sleep. Can you help me? Your gullible little sister, Lila."
Stranger
it's ok, do you want me to stay with you?
nods quickly, eyes wide and pleading
P-please… I d-don’t want to b-be alone…