Page 57 of Echoes of Fear

“Outta the way, Titan,” I yell. “I gots ta get out of here.”

But it’s no use. Papa has me up on my bed and tickling the living daylights out of me.

“I’ll show you old man, Pup,” he says. “Say, uncle. Say it. Say it.”

“I refuse to give in to the man's demands,” I say when Papa pauses to let me breathe.

“Then I must continue this battle until I claim victory.”

“Fine,” I laugh. “Uncle. Now stop, or I’m gonna pee.”

“We can’t have that, now, can we?”

He stands, pulling me with him.

“How about some breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry. I just woke up and need coffee.”

“Little boys don’t get coffee,” the meanie says. “How about some orange juice, eggs, and bacon?”

“Sure,” I shrug. I like bacon.

Papa smiles, but his eyes look heavy.

“Or we could just has cereal so you can take a nap.”

Papa looks at me for a long time before a soft smile creases the corners of his mouth.

“You’re very kind, baby boy. But I want to take care of you. I’ll take a nap when you do.”

“Well, you has a problem then cause I don’t take naps.”

“Papa says you do. And I know you didn’t sleep well last night, so after breakfast I’m going to tuck you back into your bed, and you’re going to sleep.”

“Are you gonna sleep in your room?” I ask. “What if you get scared and need Titan?”

“Hmm. You have a point,” he says, full of concern for his bravery. “Maybe Titan can take a nap in my bed with me. He’s really good at giving snuggles when people get scared.”

“That’s a good idea,” I nod, but secretly, I’m a little sad that I won’t has anyone to nap with. But I won’t tell Papa that.

I really shouldn’t have thrown out all of my stuffies.

“Titan is a good snuggle buddy, but what I really need is a very big stuffie.”

My eyes grow wide with excitement.

“How big?” I wonder. “I has a friend who sells massive stuffies for people who need extra love.”

“I think we should save that one for a Little who doesn’t have a Papa, don’t you think? I was actually wondering if you would want to take a nap and cuddle with me. I’m very tired, and it would help me rest better if I knew you were safe.”

“And I would be safe cuddled against you?” I ask, wondering if Papa would protect me against intruders.

“No place in this world would you be safer than in my arms, Pup,” he says. “What do you say?”

“I say yes. But what if I wake up Big and get scared? I don’t think Big me is as brave as Little me.”

“Then Big Knox and I will handle that if it happens. Now, want to crack some eggs for me?”

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