Tommy the Teddy Bear's Night Watch

At bedtime, Emma gave her teddy bear Tommy a big squeeze and placed him on her pillow. Tommy was a soft brown bear with one floppy ear and a smile stitched just right. As Emma closed her eyes, Tommy sat up straight. It was time for his most important job: the night watch.

Teddy Takes His Post

Tommy puffed out his stuffing chest and looked around the dark room. The curtains swayed. The wardrobe creaked. Tommy was not scared one bit. He was a night-watch bear, and night-watch bears are the bravest bears of all. He nodded at the moon through the window and stood guard.

Tommy had guarded Emma's sleep for a hundred nights. He had seen thunderstorms and heard strange owls. He had chased away the monster-under-the-bed (which was really just a sock) and the ghost-in-the-closet (which was really a jacket). Nothing would ever hurt Emma while Tommy was on duty.

Shadows Are Just Shadows

A long shadow stretched across the wall, and Emma stirred in her sleep. Tommy leaned close and whispered, Do not worry, little one. That shadow is just your chair taking a nap. Emma sighed and smiled in her dreams. Tommy hugged her hand with his soft paw, and she held on tight.

The wind rattled the window, and Emma mumbled in her sleep. Tommy patted her cheek with his soft paw. Shhh, little one, he whispered. I am right here. The moon is my lantern, and your dreams are my orders. Sleep on, brave girl.

Tommy stayed awake the whole night, listening to Emma's soft breathing. Twice he straightened his floppy ear to look brave. Once he hugged her hand a little tighter. By the time the sun came up, he was the proudest bear in the room.

Morning Comes Safe

All night Tommy watched. He chased away the creaky noises and kept the bad dreams far, far away. When morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, Emma woke up happy and safe. She hugged Tommy tight. Thank you for watching over me, she whispered. Tommy just smiled his stitched smile.

Moral of the Story

You are safe while you sleep, because someone kind is always watching over you, even in the dark.