The Sock Monster Under the Bed

Sophie was absolutely certain there was a monster under her bed. She could hear it rustling around at night, making soft snuffling sounds.

One night, Sophie decided to be brave. She grabbed her flashlight, took a deep breath, and looked under the bed.

"AHHH!" she screamed.

"AHHH!" screamed the monster.

They stared at each other. The monster was small and fluffy, with big worried eyes and long floppy ears. It was completely covered in... socks?

"Please don't tell anyone I'm here!" squeaked the monster. "I'm a Sockwobble, and I'll be in so much trouble!"

"A Sockwobble?" Sophie forgot to be scared.

"We collect lost socks," explained the creature. "You know how you put two socks in the laundry but only one comes out? That's us."

"So YOU'RE why my socks never match!" Sophie didn't know whether to be annoyed or amazed.

"We need them for our nests," said the Sockwobble sadly. "But I understand if you're angry. I'll leave."

The Sockwobble started to gather its collection. Sophie saw her favorite fuzzy sock—the one with the rainbow stripes.

"Wait," she said. "What's your name?"

"Mumbles," said the Sockwobble.

"Mumbles, you can stay. But I have conditions."

They made a deal. Mumbles could live under the bed and take old socks Sophie didn't want anymore. In return, Mumbles would protect Sophie from dust bunnies (which are apparently quite mischievous) and nightmares.

That night, Sophie heard the familiar rustling under her bed. But now it made her feel safe.

"Goodnight, Mumbles," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Sophie," came the tiny reply.

And for the first time ever, Sophie wasn't afraid of the monster under her bed. Because sometimes, monsters turn out to be friends.

The End