A Light in the Dark

Chapter 4 (Gustave's POV)

Chapter 4

I had nightmares that night. I dreamed that I was back on that pier where my mother had died. I dreamed of Miss Giry's wild eyes as she dragged me towards the water. I woke with a start.

"Papa!" I forced myself to scream. Within seconds my papa was at the door of my room with an arrangement of candles. He still had every part of his suit on except the jacket and cape.

"Gustave, it is alright. Go back to sleep," he replied with his stern tone.

He turned to leave, but I had to stop him. I normally wasn't scared of the dark, after all, we pretty much lived in it, but tonight, I was terrified to sit in the dark alone. "Papa?"

He turned back to face me. "Yes, my Gustave?"

"Could you finish that story you were telling me earlier this afternoon?"

"I told you that I would tell you tomorrow!" my father snapped.

I jumped under the blankets when he snapped. I had never heard him do that before. "Papa, please?"

"Not now, my son," he said in a calmer tone.

"Then could you at least stay here for the night?" I saw his rather nervous expression upon his face. "Please, Papa. I'm scared."

With that, he blew out the candles. At first I thought he left, but then I heard his footsteps right beside my bed. I could hear him slip off his shoes. He sat on the edge of my bed and pulled off his mask. He sunk the right side, the deformed side, of his face in the pillow. I snuggled back under the covers. He cautiously put his arm around me and pulled me close in a protective grip. I knew I was safe then. His arms were so strong. I twisted myself around and buried my face in his chest and smelled the heavy sent of the cologne he wore. He stroked my hair until I fell asleep.

I can't remember a night that I or, as far as I know, my father slept more soundly.