Chapter 7: Theodore's Nightmare
Warning: This chapter describes a nightmare that may be upsetting or scary for young readers. Please read with caution. The dream is in italics.
Theodore tossed and turned in his sleep, unable to get away from the scary thoughts that filled his mind. It was about Simon's car accident:
Simon and Theodore were crossing the road, but Theodore tripped on a stone in the road. Simon pleaded Theodore to get up, and to get to the sidewalk as quick as possible, but as he got up, Theodore saw two big, white circles, and a roar. Whatever it was, the object was getting closer and closer at a fast pace. Theodore knew it was a car. Theodore tried to get to the sidewalk, but he could see that the car was coming too fast. It was going to hit him if he didn't hurry up! Theodore ran as fast as possible, but just as he was about to get hit, there was flash of blue and brown, Theodore was pushed backwards onto the sidewalk outside the library, and witnessed his brother getting hit, before flying off into the metal pole. Theodore apprehensively walked over to his brother to see how he was. It didn't look good. Simon's eyes were closed, and he didn't move whatsoever. Theodore checked his pulse and breathing. Simon's breathing was slowing down, as was his pulse. Theodore was worried. The police and ambulance arrived as Theodore checked his brother's breathing and pulse again. Theodore couldn't sense any breathing, and his pulse was going down fast! Theodore gasped before pleading: "No! Simon, please don't give up!" Again, Simon's vital signs were slowing down, and there was nothing Theodore could do. He was watching his own brother get worse by the minute. "Simon, please! You have to keep trying! Please don't-" the minute Theodore said the word 'don't' he could hardly sense Simon's pulse, and he wasn't breathing. Theodore feared the worst. Simon was gone. "SIMON!" Theodore screamed as he cried next to his brother.
Theodore immediately jolted awake, breathing rapidly and sitting up in his bed. He was also quietly crying because of how scary his nightmare was. Theodore knew that he wouldn't be able to get to sleep on his own. Not after having that nightmare! Theodore slowly got out of bed, and climbed down to the bed with the blue bed cover on it. Theodore quietly tip-toed over to Simon and saw his brother was sleeping. Theodore quietly whispered his brother's name, hoping he would get up. After doing this a few time, Simon woke up, grabbed his glasses, and looked over at Theodore. Even though the room was dark, Simon could still see his little brother.
"Theodore, what's wrong?" Simon asked seeing how scared and nervous Theodore was. He didn't like seeing that. Simon wanted Theodore to be happy and safe.
"I had a nightmare. It was about when you saved me. But instead of you losing your memory, something worse happened. You d-d-d-d-d-" Theodore couldn't even bring himself to say the words, so Simon did it for him.
"-I didn't make it in your dream, right?" Simon asked understanding what Theodore was talking about. Theodore nodded.
"I-I was wondering if it would be okay if I slept with you tonight, Simon. I'm scared!" Theodore asked with a few tears running down his furry cheeks. Simon instantly used his paw to wipe away Theodore's tears, and replied: "Don't worry, Theodore. It's okay, it's okay. Of course you can sleep with me tonight. Come here." Theodore walked over into Simon's bed, and gave him a hug. Simon hugged back, wanting Theodore to feel safe and that he was with a friend. He wanted his brother to feel secure in his arms.
Simon and Theodore hugged each other for several more minutes, but it felt more like an hour to them. They slowly separated from the hug, and lied down in Simon's bed. Simon helped cover Theodore up with his bed sheets and blankets before resting his head on his pillow and facing Theodore.
"Goodnight Theodore. If you need me at any time, just wake me up and let me know what's wrong. I'm here to protect and comfort you. Sleep tight little buddy," Simon said to Theodore before putting his glasses away, and closing his eyes.
"Goodnight Simon." Theodore replied before trying to relax and fall asleep too. At first, it was a little hard for the green pajama wearing chipmunk to get some decent sleep. But as the night went by, Theodore was soon fast asleep, dreaming of food, and having fun with his brothers. Theodore didn't have any more nightmares that night, thanks to Simon.
Thank you for reading and I'll update soon. Please read and review. Also, please let me know what you thought of Theodore's nightmare. I want to know if it was too scary, or just right.