𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛

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Imogen Halstead (age 5)
Word count: 722

Imogen's POV

        I can't sleep.  I'm tired, but my brain won't do what I'm telling it to do.  It's like my brain has a brain of it's own.  It's Halloween night and I went trick or treating with older brother, Will.  I got lots of candy but Will said I'm not allowed to eat it all, he said all of my teeth with fall out if I do.  I don't want that to happen!

       I've had enough of laying in bed on my own.  I saw some pretty scary masks tonight and I'm starting to get scared of being alone in the dark... there could be monsters everywhere. 

      I can hear will, jay and hailey talking downstairs... I'm sure I'll be safe with them.  As I hop out of bed, I run out of my room in case the monsters are under my bed. 

      When I get to the bottom of the stairs I run into the living room and all I can do is scream...

~

Wills POV

For me, the nights over. In fact, my night was over the second I took Imogen trick or treating. We spent two hours going around the local neighbourhoods knocking on doors, and all Imogen could say was, "trick or treat, smell my feet" to every poor soul who answered the door. I did in fact nearly explode from Imogen's cuteness in her purple Princess costume. Of course she didn't want to go in something scary... she's five.

Jay and Hailey however, are only getting started. The unit go out for drinks at mollys every year and have a fancy dress competition. I stay at home to look after Imogen, in fact, I volunteer to stay home. Dressing up isn't for me anymore...

"Where'd you even find that suit?" I fold my arms as jay puts his Michael Myers mask on. Before he can answer the question, an all-mighty scream erupts from behind us. We all jump and turn around to see Imogen practically jumping off of the floor, her fingers in her mouth as she screams even louder now jay has turned around, with her face is now bright red from the tears streaming down her face. I look at jay to see him still wearing that stupid mask, so I slap his arm and he eventually takes it off.

       I walk over to Imogen who has now thrown herself on the ground, sobbing as if I just killed a bunny in front of her, and pick her up.  She immediately clings onto me for dear life, "it's okay... it's just jay, it's only jay look..." I rub her back.  I can see jay holding in his laugh in like his life depends on it, "well that's one way to give her a life long fear" I sigh.  Imogen sobs her heart out, "it's okay, it's just a mask. Look, it's only jay..." I pull away.  Hesitantly, Imogen looks at our brother, "hey, it's only me. I'm not a scary man" jay smiles and holds his arms out.  Imogen screams again as I go to hand her over, "okay, okay... you two can go, I'll deal with it" I wave the couple out.

"Is he gone?!" Imogen sobs. I sit down on the couch and sigh, Imogen doesn't move and instead hugs me tighter, "he's gone, but you know it was only jay right? It was just a mask, like the ones we saw earlier. Remember?" I talk softly. She nods, "but I didn't know he was gonna' be there..." she sniffles. I nod, "I know you didn't, and it's okay to be scared. What're you doing out of bed anyways?" I smile weakly. She sniffles, "I was scared, so I came to see you for cuddles" she frowns. I sigh, "c'mon then..." I pull her closer and she eventually falls asleep into a world of blissful silence...

~

Jays POV

"What took you so long, man?" Kevin huffs as he approaches me in a Jason Voorhees costume. I sigh, "I scared a certain five year old" I shrug. Adam scoffs a laugh, "oh boy, that's you getting the silent treatment for the foreseeable" he snickers. I look at hailey and let out a small chuckle... do I feel bad? Yes... was her face a picture? Yes.......

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