I had heard the quiet whispered wishes for a friend, for someone to play with. A little boy laid in bed above me. After long last, I found a soul I could relate to, who was lonely such as I.

The young boy looked at me with curiosity dancing in his eyes. He’d most likely never laid eyes on a creature such as myself except in haunted nightmares. I crawled out from underneath his bed, slowly, regarding him with caution. His eyes widened as I painstakingly waited for fear to drench his face.

Do I scare you with my disgruntled appearance? Perhaps you tremble in fear when you catch a glimpse of my stone cold eyes. Or maybe my tall stature intimidates you. Is it the long curling nails or the sharp, pointy teeth? I wanted to ask.

Yet beyond the decaying depths of my skin, is a warm beating heart wishing to be seen as more than a monster. Who wishes to be seen for who I am on the inside and not for my appearance on the outside.

When the little boy showed no fear, I became hopeful. Had I finally found a companion? I sat on the floor regarding him with the same curiosity, studying each other.

For once in my life the shrilling all consuming silence felt comforting, no longer did I have to hide. Perhaps I had found myself in someone and just maybe he felt the same. Who would’ve thought that a kid and his monster under the bed would become each other’s salvation.