The young child whispers

"I am not afraid"

from under the covers of his bed

"I am not afraid"

He thinks to himself

starubg at the closed door.

 

He feels for his teddy bear

"I won't be afraid"

He says as he continues to search

"I won't be afraid"

He thinks as tears well up in his eyes.

 

His tears begin to flow,

"I am afraid!"

He yells from the comfort of his bed.

"I am afraid!"

He thinks as he sees familiar faces from the open door

 

He embraces his parents

"I was afraid"

He speaks softly 

But with a small small, he thinks, 

"...Not anymore"