Samantha often thought her three-year-old daughter, Julia, was imagining a “monster” under her bed. One night, however, she discovered that Julia wasn’t making it up.

While Manhattan slept, Samantha stayed up writing her children’s book, battling a creative block. Her cup of cold green tea sat forgotten as she moved her laptop to a new spot, hoping for inspiration.

At 2 a.m., the children’s room lights turned on. Samantha found Julia awake, scared of a “monster” under her bed. Samantha comforted her, explaining the room was safe, and read a favorite story until Julia drifted back to sleep.

Returning to her desk, Samantha began writing smoothly, only to hear Julia crying again at 3:30 a.m. Strange noises under the bedroom door made her anxious, prompting her to investigate with an umbrella in hand.

To her surprise, a small puppy was hiding under Julia’s bed, startled but harmless. The children’s fear turned to joy as Samantha introduced them to the little dog. Julia named him “Mr. Cuddles,” and the family’s worries melted away.

It soon became clear that Julia’s brother, Jacob, had sneaked the puppy into the house after a recent adoption drive. Samantha gently scolded him for disobeying, and Jacob apologized to Julia.

Understanding the children’s love and responsibility for the puppy, Samantha allowed Mr. Cuddles to stay. The family embraced their new furry friend, learning lessons about trust, kindness, and listening carefully to what children say.