“Don’t walk home alone, little one, there are monsters that lurk behind every corner.” My mother always used to tell me as she kissed me goodbye.

“Don’t walk alone, call or text a friend, beware monsters that wait to snatch young folks away.” My dad would tell me the day I drove off to college.

“Don’t walk home alone. I’ll be there to keep you from the shadows that creep.” My love told me the day we said I do.

“Don’t walk alone, my child. I will walk beside you all my days.” I told my children each time I held them for the first time.

“Don’t walk alone. Though the road may be scary, I will light the way. The monsters that follow cannot enter the safety of my home.” I hear from somewhere beyond as I close my eyes for the last time.