Teddy Bear sat perched on the edge of the bed, his plush fur a comforting presence against Max's arm. Despite the familiar surroundings, a shiver ran through Teddy as he glanced at the darkened corners of the room. "I wish I wasn't so afraid of the dark," he murmured to himself, though his button eyes betrayed a hint of determination.
Max stirred in his sleep, mumbling incoherently, while Teddy felt the shadows around him grow larger and more menacing. "I must be brave," he thought, clutching his tiny paws together. Teddy knew he had to protect Max, even if it meant facing his greatest fear.
Gathering his courage, Teddy slid down from the bed and tiptoed towards the darkest corner of the room. "Hello? Is anyone there?" he called out softly, his voice barely a whisper. To his surprise, a gentle rustling answered him, and a small, timid voice replied, "Don't be afraid, we're just the shadows."
Teddy blinked in astonishment as the shadows revealed themselves to be friendly beings, not the frightening monsters he had imagined. "We've always been here, watching over you and Max," the shadow creatures explained. Understanding began to dawn on Teddy, a smile breaking across his face.
"Thank you for keeping us safe," Teddy said, his voice filled with gratitude. The shadows danced around him, their whispers like a gentle lullaby. Teddy realized that the darkness wasn't something to fear, but a canvas for dreams and imagination.
Max awoke to find Teddy nestled by his side, his fears of the night forgotten. Teddy had conquered his fear, and with it, discovered the magic that the darkness held. From that day on, whenever the room went dark, Teddy would remember his shadow friends, embracing the night with open arms and a brave heart.
