"Mama!"
Isobel jumped out of bed and hurried down the hall, pulling on her dressing gown. She lit a lamp the moment she entered her son's room and sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Shhh. It's alright. I'm right here." Placing her hands on Matthew's shoulders, she looked down at his tear stained, little face.
"Did you have another nightmare?"
Matthew nodded. "I- I was on a boat and a- a sea monster was eating everyone alive and I was falling into the water."
"Well now, everything is alright," Isobel whispered. "I'm here." She stroked his hair lovingly and smiled.
"I'm sorry I woke you," Matthew said apologetically. "Did I wake Papa as well?"
"No, no. You're father is fast asleep. You needn't worry about that."
"Now, let's get you back to sleep."
Matthew slumped back against his pillow. "Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Would you stay here until I fall asleep?"
Isobel was very, very tired. She had spent a long day working with a local women's charity. When she arrived home early that evening, she found her six year old boy bursting with energy, begging her to play with him. But despite her exhaustion, Isobel knew she wouldn't have it any other way.
"Yes, of course, my darling." For the next few minutes, Isobel rubbed his back, soothing him to sleep. Once he had drifted off, she rose and kissed his head goodnight.