Chapter 13: The Monster Under the Bed

Calvin

Climbing back into Schuyler’s bed seems as natural as if I do it every night. Being near her is easy and comfortable. I feel like I’ve found the other half of me, my soul mate.

With my head propped on two pillows, I watch Schuyler turn on the ceiling fan, her fan on the floor, close the blackout curtains tightly, turn the flashlight from her phone on, shut off the overhead light, then dart to the bed, hopping on the mattress with a giggle.

I fight the laugh, trying to escape. In the faint light from her phone, she squints at me.

“What?” Schuyler demands, shutting off her phone light and snuggling under the covers.

“That’s quite a routine,” I chuckle. “I especially like the sprint after turning off the light and the hop onto the bed.” I turn onto my side, facing her in the dark. “It’s the monster under the bed, isn’t it?”

“Maybe,” she murmurs sheepishly.

“I can’t sleep with a closet door open,” I confess. I’m sure she thinks I’m teasing, but I’m not.

“Who’s turn is it?” she asks,