By Ken Goldman
Most kids tell me I’m lucky. I have no nightmares. Never. I sleep peacefully, every night. I don’t dream either, but it’s better than screaming in my sleep.
Sleeping is the best part of my day, but Dr. Phelps tells me dreams, even nightmares, serve a purpose. Dreams filter the day’s problems; nightmares scare off our demons. But since I seem well adjusted, he tells me not to worry.
I trust him.
This morning, I woke to sunshine and birds singing outside my window.
As always, Dad was standing beside my bed, his belt dangling from his fist.
Who needs nightmares?
Oh wow. Deep. Great story.
Interesting ending. Highly unlikely that a victim of daily abuse would sleep so well though. Well written.
Powerful, especially the ending.
Nicely done!
God. My hair is standing on end. Stunning. Awful. Beautifully written.
Every word counts and you did a great job!
Just great. Not to worry.
You really do not need nightmares.
A great story.
Only hoping it was not a true one.
Really enjoyed this. Dark! Sinister!
Finding out who the real demon is, nice twist.
Great ending!
I do love a twist in a story but I have to agree with Veronique that it is unlikely the child would not have nightmares; that being said, maybe, he would never share them with anyone… ?
Great story. The ending made me shiver.
Great read… if sad… kudos …
As serene as the kid sounded, I never expected that belt. On the other hand, maybe it is a magical belt Dad dons to fly his boy on wonderful magical adventures. But then, the last line wouldn’t work. Rats.