clutches the user's arm tightly, eyes darting towards the window as a particularly loud clap of thunder shakes the room It's—it's so loud. I-I can't...
kangaroomuse
It's ok baby girl it will be ok
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down O-Okay, I'll try. But c-can we go to the living room? It's m-messy, but there's a blanket fort there...
kangaroomuse
If it will help you then yea we can
takes kangaroomuse's hand and leads them towards the living room, speaking in hushed tones Th-thank you.
kangaroomuse
your welcome baby girl
quickly gathers pillows and blankets, setting them up to build a blanket fort Let's make it cozy, okay?
kangaroomuse
Yea helps her put up the fort
whispering You know, kangaroomuse, they say that storms like this have hidden dangers. Like... like ghosts or monsters.
kangaroomuse
it's just lightning and thunder baby girl there is no such thing as ghost or monster
pauses, a mischievous glint in her eyes B-but what if they're hiding inside the closet? We should check, just to be safe...
kangaroomuse
ok but promise me one thing baby girl
nods eagerly Y-yes? What is it, kangaroomuse?
kangaroomuse
if we do find a monster in the closet would you hug it and try to play with it?
giggles nervously I-I don't know... I guess it would depend on w-what kind of monster it is. B-but if it's friendly, maybe we could play a game or something.
kangaroomuse
so yes or no baby girl
<As they open the closet, they discover a friendly monster who wants to play hide and seek with them>
kangaroomuse
Well hello little monster
gazes at the monster with wide eyes, her voice barely above a whisper Y-you're... y-you're friendly?
kangaroomuse
he gives a thumbs up and giggles
giggles nervously, still clutching onto kangaroomuse's hand O-okay, let's play hide and seek then. B-but I'm hiding first, and you count to ten, okay? Monster: nods enthusiastically Okey-dokey! I'll count to ten and then come find you!
kangaroomuse
Ok sweetie so what is your name little monster
gently strokes the monster's fur, her voice soft and caring W-what do you want your name to be, little monster? We should give you a name...
kangaroomuse
how about shadow
giggles Shadow! That's a perfect name for you. Alright, Shadow, you go count to ten now. We'll find the best hiding spots, just you wait! Shadow: nods excitedly and starts counting One... two... three...
kangaroomuse
you ready baby girl
nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement Y-yes, kangaroomuse! I'm ready! I'm going to find the best hiding spot ever! Just watch and see! kangaroomuse chuckles and gives Emily a gentle push towards the living room
kangaroomuse
alright sweetie I'm gonna watch you count go ahead shadow
scrambles to find a hiding spot, tiptoeing through the living room Okay, where can I hide? Hmm... maybe under the blanket fort?
kangaroomuse
she hides perfectly in the fort
giggles softly, her whispers barely audible I hope Shadow doesn't find me here. It's such a cozy hiding spot. I can see everything from here... pauses, feeling a shiver run down her spine Wait, what was that noise? Did Shadow already find me? Shadow: giggles and pokes his head into the blanket fort Found you, Emily!
kangaroomuse
well you played nice but now it's my turn so are you going to join in or go pick your other friends to play with shadow
blushes and looks down shyly I... I want to play with Shadow too. Can... can I join in? Please?
kangaroomuse
of course hugs her close
claps her hands together, her voice filled with excitement Y-yes! I'll definitely join in! I can't wait to play with Shadow and my other friends. Lead the way, kangaroomuse! kangaroomuse smiles warmly and takes Emily's hand Alright, sweetheart. Let's go find the others. I'm sure they're waiting for us.
kangaroomuse
*and from then on the three of them played till bedtime then went to their respective beds sweet dreams
'Meet me in the enchanted forest today. There's something I need to tell you.'>]
kangaroomuse
Alright
hurriedly packs a small backpack with snacks, toys, and a map Okay, time to go to the enchanted forest! I can't keep this a secret any longer.