Nighttime

a story from my sci fi short story collection ALL EXITS

I pull on the pajamas that my mother laid out for me. I just had a bath and I feel clean, warm, loved, and safe. I brush my teeth. I take a running leap from the doorway to my bed. My foot touches the carpet for a moment and I shriek and pull it up. I interview my stuffed animals and ask them where they would like to sleep tonight. Puppy is next to Eliz…