Bob and Teddy

Bob the Monster: whispers. Teddy, are you still there? Is Max asleep yet?

Teddy: whispers between gasps of breaths. Yeah, Bob, he's asleep. You can come out now.

Bob crawls out from under the bed and sits on the windowsill. Sees Teddy in Max's arms.

Bob: how's it feel like, when he holds you like that?

Teddy: you mean when he hugs me at night?

Bob: ...yeah. What's it like, being so close to him?

Teddy: It's suffocating. He chokes me, Bob. I can barely breathe. It's hell until he finally falls asleep and loosens his hold.

Bob: but...isn't it a nice feeling, knowing that he loves you? He trusts you...he tells you everything.

Teddy: I guess. I don't know. He keeps whining in my ear all the time before he goes to sleep. He just complains about how much he hates school.

Bob: I wish I could hear. Being under the bed, it's so hard to hear, especially when he whispers. I was worried, today he seemed so sad. I thought I heard whimpering...but wasn't sure...if he was crying or not.

Teddy: Yeah, he cried into the pillow before going to bed. He was a mess.

Bob: with a worried look, he stands up and kneels at the edge of the bed. What happened?!

Teddy: I don't know...some kid at school's bothering him...something like that.

Bob: He's...he's got a bruise near his eye...and his lip is cut.

Teddy: So what?

Bob: It looks painful. Do you think he'll be alright?

Teddy: Not sure.

Bob: He's grown up so fast. Remember when he was a baby? And he could barely hold on to you, Teddy?

Teddy: yeah, can't believe he's ten already. He's too old for me. Soon, he's not gonna need me anymore. Finally, I'll get some freedom!

Bob: I'm worried...he'll grow up and become an adult...the world isn't nice to adults...he's only going to get more hurt.

Teddy: he's gonna get smart, and realize he has to fend for himself. He'll learn not to rely on anyone...not even me.

Bob: ...but hopefully we can find new ways to help him. For now, this is all I can do.

Bob uses his magic to heal Max's eye and lip. His finger touches the edge of Max's cheek. Max stirs, his face scrunching up.

Bob: oh no, Teddy, I touched him!

Teddy: Bob! Why'd you do that! You know a nightmare's gonna get transfered! You always do this! You always wake him up when you try touching him!

Bob: Stop yelling at me Teddy! I know that! I just wanted to help him! I'm sorry!

Teddy: Nevermind! He's gonna wake up! Just get under the bed, Bob! Hurry!

Before Bob can get under the bed, Max wakes up. He sits up, sweating and breathing heavy. His eyes wide with fear. He looks down at Teddy in the bed. Teddy is frozen, inanimate.

Max touches the edge of his eye, surprised that it's not hurting anymore. He looks around in the dark. His eyes scan the room, stopping when he sees Bob the monster. Bob recoils, waiting for the scream that always comes after Max sees him...

But Max doesn't scream. He rests his head back on the pillow, bringing the blanket over his head and curling up into a ball. Teddy falls to the floor and rolls under the bed. Bob sits back on the windowsill. He feels warm on the inside and can't help but smile.

Max isn't scared of him anymore.

Maybe one day...Max will learn to love him too?