Shivers

Peril

Clara and Elsie curled up on the couch, a movie flickering on the screen and a bowl of popcorn between them.

When the credits rolled, Elsie snuggled in closer. "Can you read me a bedtime story, before I go to sleep, please?"

"Of course",  Clara replied warmly.

Upstairs, Elsie chose a book filled with fairies and dragons. Clara's voice danced through the room, weaving a tale of magic and wonder. Tucking Elsie in, she made sure Starlight,her pony, was nestled beside her.

"Goodnight, sleep tight sweetie", she whispered, placing a kiss on Elsie's forehead.

"Goodnight Clara, thank you for making me feel better".

Clara felt herself get warm and she replied "You don't have to thank me, Elsie. You can come to me whenever you want, I'll try my best to help."

Elsie smiled sweetly, already half asleep.

Clara watched Elsie for a moment longer, a pang of sympathy twisting in her gut. Giving one last hug Clara quietly made her way out of the room and softly closed the door.

She made sure to check on the balcony before making her way downstairs. She placed a chair near the door just to be safe.

As she made her way downstairs Clara was deep in thought, thinking about Elsie. This little girl, with her nervous ways and fear of monsters, seemed like a prisoner in her head. Of her thoughts and anxieties.

She quickly got to work clearing everything up, still deep in thought.

Suddenly she hears a thud followed by soft muffled footsteps padding across the upstairs floor sending chills down her spine.

Elsie! She must be sleepwalking again. Clara thought in horror.

Heart pounding, Clara rushed upstairs, to make sure she was alright, picturing all sorts of dangers.

As she reached the landing, a horrifying sight met her eyes. The chair was pushed aside, and Elsie stood precariously on the edge of the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of the moon.

Her little body swayed gently. Clara made sure to not make much noise as she heard that it was dangerous to awaken sleepwalkers.

She quickly but quietly made her way toward Elsie hoping she wasn't too late. As she neared her, she caught a glimpse of Elsie's face, it looked calm and peaceful. She looked like a little angel with the moonlight over her and the white nightgown.

One step would take her over the edge.