There comes a time in a child's life when he or she stops believing. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy become nothing more than stories. Some children stop believing because their parents decide it's time they learned the truth. Others stop believing because they think it is childish to trust that such things exist. Whatever the reason, a child's belief is a fragile thing. It is also a thing that will last no longer than childhood.
One night, Boo just stopped believing.
For eight years, Sulley had visited Boo's room every night. Now that she was older, they talked, played games, and just had good, clean fun. Sometimes, Boo would tell Sulley about problems she had in school or with her parents. When she had found out she was going to have a new baby brother soon, Sulley had been the first to know.
Boo never told Sulley her real name, but that wasn't important. She never found out Sulley's real name, either. To each other, they were just and
On that fateful night, Sulley went through the door as usual. he called out softly, so as not to wake anyone else in the house.
Boo usually woke up at the sound of his voice, but not this time. She continued to sleep. The room was quiet, the only sound being her soft, steady breathing.
Worried that something might be wrong, Sulley tiptoed over to her bed and shook her gently. he whispered. he said again, this time a little louder.
Finally, Boo opened her eyes.
he answered with a sigh of relief.
Go away, she muttered, and rolled over.
He couldn't believe his ears.
Go away. I love you, Kitty. I always have. But you're not real. I told Mom about you. She said they're just dreams. I told her that you visited me every night, but she said I was just having dreams. She said it wasn't healthy to dream about the same thing every night. She said next time, I should try telling you to go away. I don't want you to go away. Even if you are just a dream. But Mom says I have to. She says she's going to take me to see a doctor if I don't. I can't see you anymore.
A sinking feeling formed in Sulley's chest. She had told. It was supposed to be a secret. Why had she told? Sulley knew the answer. If she had told, then she had already begun doubting. She was right. She couldn't see him anymore. They could never meet again. There are no words that can convey the sorrow, anger, and confusion Sulley felt.
He looked back at Boo, and noticed she was crying. I'm sorry, Kitty! I have to do this! You're only a dream. You're not real. Please, Kitty. Don't come back anymore. It makes me sad, to know that you're not real. This is goodbye. She sat up and hugged him. He hugged her back. What could he say?
Goodbye, Kitty, she murmured softly. I love you.
I love you, too, he cried. I'll miss you.
I don't want our friendship to be over.
It's not over, Boo. Friendship doesn't end when two people stop seeing each other. It goes on and on. We may not see each other anymore. You may no longer believe in me. But we'll still be friends in our hearts.

Really. I still have that picture you drew of us. You remember, Boo?
I think I do. Even if you are a dream, I'm going to miss you.
I'll miss you too, Boo. You won't forget me, will you?
No. I'll never forget you, Kitty.
Boo? Do you remember Mike Wazowski?

He was the one who allowed us to be friends for so long.
We still are, Boo reminded him. We'll always be friends.
That's right. They hugged again. Grow up and be a good girl, Boo.
And he walked through the door with tears in his eyes, but a light in his heart as he knew that maybe, just maybe, he would visit one of Boo's children someday.