Finding Monsters Read Free

less.”
    “So you pretend to be monsters and scare them from checking too closely under their beds or in dark closets so they don’t find these passages?” I ask.
    “It sounds weird, but yes. Only a few have the monster ability of the blue light to travel between worlds. Our clan is the gua r dian of that ability.”
    “It sounds like a fairytale,” I say, not sure if Charlie is s e rious.
    “Many of your fairytales come from our world, like trolls and dragons”
    “They’re real?”
    “Oh yes, very much so,” Charlie says. He packs up the picnic, making it melt away in the blue light. He then conjures up music from nowhere. Soft waltz music starts to play. He pulls me to my feet and holds me close. “Time for some dan c ing,” he says to me as he explains a few waltz steps. We start slow, allowing me to get the rhythm and then we twirl faster. I laugh at my clumsy dance moves. Charlie just smiles and co n tinues to spin me in circles. The music changes to a slower beat. Charlie pulls me even closer, and we start swaying to the soft mellow tune. He leans into my hair and inhales deeply, reme m bering, whispering, “I watched you for such a long time from my hiding place under your bed. So many times I’ve called to you. The times you replied, caused my heart to soar above even the heavens. The times you did not left me in despair so great; I thought I would evaporate from the pain. Now, you are here, happy, healthy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.” Wordlessly, he leans in and kisses me. His lips are sweet like the nectar and soft as a flower’s petal. His arms surround me. I have never kissed a boy before, and I am glad I now have the chance. Ti n gles race through me. I run my fingers through his hair and hold him close. I pull back to stare at him. He’s been with me through all of my il l nesses and now, in the span of a few days, he’s shown me life, happiness, and love.
    “Thank you for everything,” I whisper to him. He kisses me again then looks high above the trees. His expression tells me that time is short. I can sense it a l so. I pull him into another long embrace, my tears salting each kiss as I brush against his soft petal lips.
    “We need to change back now,” is all he allows himself to say. Still clutching each other, the blue light envelopes us. I feel our limbs pulling apart until we are once again butterflies. We fly up into a nearby tree and rest. The hours have taken their toll on both of us, and we are feeling it now. Charlie watches as I rest beside him. We feel e x hausted but we don’t want to miss a touch, a look, a sound. Finally, unable to stay awake any lon g er, he falls asleep beside me. I close my eyes and follow soon after.

Chapter 3
     
    I wake up sluggish as I guessed I would. Charlie brings me nectar and I drink from him the nourishing liquid until I feel better. He coaxes me out of the tree and into the sun to gain strength and warmth. Soon, energy begins to fill my body and I can fly again. Charlie leads me straight back to the cem e tery. We drink from the flowers in s i lence then nestle into a cozy spot to wait. I’m not scared of dying; I know it is coming soon.
    “Charlie,” I say through a tired yawn. “Who are you rea l ly?”
    “I’m the monster under your bed. Most kids have them but most overcome their fear and we leave. You were never afraid of me. I should have left years ago but I stayed and tried to keep you company when you needed it most. I don’t really look like a butterfly; I’m actually quite hideous,” Cha r lie says.
    I laugh my little insect laugh, then sigh, closing my eyes.
    “No, not yet, please don’t go,” Charlie whispers in a panic, leaning his head against mine.
    I struggle to open my eyes. “I’m still here.”
    Charlie blows out a shudd ering breath that warms my face. “Do you have any r e grets?” he asks.
    I let my eyes close again as I answer. “I have two. I wish I would have met you soo n er.” I