Imagination Series

5

Riley woke up from another nightmare, scared her mother was dead. Running to the living room she saw Janet managed to actually fall asleep in bed.

"Mom. Mom can I sleep with you?" she asked cautiously.

"Mmm, come on." Janet mumbled before rolling over.

Riley climbed into the big bed, and snuggled against her mom. "I had a dream you died." was whispered into the dark.

"Go to sleep, ma isn't dead. You might be if you keep talking." Janet replied, barely awake.

"Otay, I love you mom. I'm glad you aren't dead."

Janet hugged her daughter, trying hard not to think too far into the statement. Rubbing Riley's back, she fell into her own uneasy sleep.

Janet woke up to Riley getting out of the bed, hearing her go rummage around in something Janet could not see. "Riley, get back over here," was called out. Hearing tiny footsteps running back to the room.

"I got you the Advil and water. I know you need it."

Janet was touched by this gesture, trying not to dwell on having memories of doing the same thing for her own mother.

"Thanks Riley, oh by the way we're going to your uncle Chad's house after play group."

"Yay! It's Friday so mom comes with!" Riley loved Friday's, having her mom at school too was the highlight of her week.