The Under the Bed Monster

Every child knows there is a monster under the bed. It's a big shapeless monster, and it hides in the darkest recesses of the space under your bed. In that corner where your bed meets the wall.

 

 Moms and Dads never see this under-the-bed-monster. It knows not to come out when they are around. So when your parents snuggle with you and read you a book like, "Are You My Mother?" or "Goodnight, Moon", you are perfectly safe. When they tuck you into bed, and kiss your freshly washed forehead, and embrace you in a big mommy or daddy hug, you are not going to be bothered.

 

 But when your mom and dad walk out, blowing kisses, and gently closing your door, out comes the under-the-bed-monster. He'll sneak up on your bed, and start chomping on your toes. He'll envelop your room, and take the light from your little Lightning McQueen night light. He'll cast shadows on the walls, so it looks like he brought friends.

 

 It's no good to call your mom or dad. As soon as the under-the-bed-monster hears their footsteps outside the door, he'll retreat back under the bed. He's a smart monster. Your mom and dad will look all around, but they can't see this sneaky thing. So they'll say it was nothing, and walk out again.

 

 You'll beg for your dad to stay just 5 more minutes, or to sleep in their bed. But it's no use; eventually you'll have to sleep in your own room, in your own bed. And the under-the-bed-monster will be waiting.

 

 There is only one thing to do for this under-the-bed-monster. You need to have monster spray, and spray your room before bed. If you do this, the monster knows he can't come out and bother you. So he'll go bother the dentist. That's okay, you aren't there at night anyway. Then one day, you'll realize the under-the-bed-monster hasn't been around in a long time. In fact, you barely remember him at all. Then you'll know you've grown up and you're too big for him to bother anymore.

 

 I'm grown now, and I still have an under-the-bed-monster. It hides in the dark recesses where my bed meets the wall, and only comes out at night. I crawl into bed, and curl up under the covers. But when I warm up, and stretch out, the under-the-bed-monster eats my toes.

 

 My under-the-bed-monster is my cat Julie! Why won't she go bother the dentist?