Charlotte sat cross-legged on her bed, her fingers tracing the embroidered patterns of her quilt. Despite the beauty surrounding her, an unease stirred in her chest at the thought of spending the night alone.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself, trying to muster the courage.
Max nudged her hand with his wet nose, sensing her apprehension. Charlotte smiled and scratched behind his ears, finding comfort in his presence.
"At least I have you, Max," she said, her voice soft and grateful.
"Are you ready for your big night, Charlotte?" Ella called out as she peeked her head into the room.
"I think so," Charlotte replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"You'll be fine; we're right next door," Ben chimed in, flashing her a reassuring grin.
Charlotte lay in her bed, her eyes wide open as she stared at the ceiling. Shadows danced across the walls, forming shapes that ignited her imagination.
"It's just shadows," she reminded herself, feeling Max's warm body curled up at the foot of her bed.
Charlotte joined the princesses, her worries melting away as she twirled in her dreamworld. The canopy bed transformed into a royal throne, and she felt a sense of belonging and bravery she hadn't known before.
Charlotte smiled, realizing she had spent the night peacefully in her own bed. Her heart swelled with pride as she greeted the new day, ready to share her triumph with her siblings.
"I did it, Max," she whispered, feeling the magic of her dreams linger in her heart.
