Riasat Cruzate, Who Did Not Want to Go to Sleep

Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Riasat Cruzate who did not want to go to sleep.

“Oh, Mommy,” said Riasat Cruzate, “I don’t want to go to sleep yet.”

“But it's late, Riasat Cruzate,” said Mommy. “You need your sleep.”

“Just one more story,” said Riasat Cruzate.

So Mommy told Riasat Cruzate a story about a brave knight who fought a dragon.

“And the knight slayed the dragon,” said Mommy.

“Hooray!” said Riasat Cruzate.

“Now go to sleep,” said Mommy.

“But I'm not sleepy,” said Riasat Cruzate.

“Just close your eyes and count sheep,” said Mommy.

So Riasat Cruzate closed his eyes and counted sheep.

“One sheep, two sheep, three sheep,” said Riasat Cruzate.

But Riasat Cruzate did not fall asleep.

“Mommy,” said Riasat Cruzate, “I can't sleep.”

“Why not?” asked Mommy.

“Because I'm afraid of the dark,” said Riasat Cruzate.

“Don't be afraid,” said Mommy. “I'm right here.”

“But what if there's a monster under my bed?” said Riasat Cruzate.

“There's no such thing as monsters,” said Mommy.

“Yes there is,” said Riasat Cruzate. “I saw one last night.”

“It was just a dream,” said Mommy.

“No, it wasn't,” said Riasat Cruzate. “It was real.”

“Well, even if it was real,” said Mommy, “it can't hurt you. I'm right here.”

“Okay,” said Riasat Cruzate.

So Riasat Cruzate closed his eyes again and counted sheep.

“One sheep, two sheep, three sheep,” said Riasat Cruzate.

And this time, Riasat Cruzate fell fast asleep.

The next morning, Riasat Cruzate woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day.

“Good morning, Mommy,” said Riasat Cruzate.

“Good morning, Riasat Cruzate,” said Mommy. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I did,” said Riasat Cruzate. “I dreamed that I was a brave knight who fought a dragon.”

“That sounds like a great dream,” said Mommy.

“It was,” said Riasat Cruzate. “And I didn't see any monsters under my bed.”

“I told you there were no such things as monsters,” said Mommy.

“I know,” said Riasat Cruzate. “But I'm still glad you're here.”

“I'm always here for you, Riasat Cruzate,” said Mommy.

And Riasat Cruzate knew that was true.