In the shadowy abyss of my room
He is lurking blankly in the corner
Maybe he’s a nice man
Maybe he’s scared of the dark
Like I am
I grab my bear and wander to him
He doesn’t breathe and he hides under his black blanket
Then he reaches out his cold, dead hand
I can see his face
I’ve never seen a real skeleton before
Who are you mister?
“Death,” his raspy voice calls out
“You may call me Itward,” he offers
“Hello, Itward; are you scared of the dark?”
“Deathly afraid,” he muttered under his breath
“I will keep you safe.”
I give him my bear so he’ll feel less afraid
I look up and smile at him
In one hand, he holds my bear
In his other, my hand
“Have you come for me?”
He hadn’t said a word; I knew I had to go
I no longer feel sick
I’m cured
“May I say goodbye before I go?”
He nodded and we went down the hall
Upon arriving, I could see my mother resting peacefully
“Don’t worry. Mom, I’m all better now
You don’t have to worry anymore
I promise to be good for mister Itward
I love you.”
I turn and Itward grasps my hand
He lays the bear on the bed
We start walking towards the light
It is warm