Aisha's Very Own Room

Ages 6–8

On the first night in a brand-new room without a nightlight, Aisha must find the courage to face the unfamiliar dark, armed with a flashlight, a curious cat, and sunny memories of the beach.

Children learn that fear of the dark can be gently mastered with a self-made mantra, comforting memories, and the wisdom to bring a grown-up along when something feels uncertain.

Tonight was the first night in Aisha's very own room, wearing her soft blue pajamas printed with tiny white seashells. No more sharing, no nightlight glowing in the corner — just her, a new bed, and boxes still waiting to be unpacked. "You're a big kid now," her family said. Aisha smiled, but the dark outside the window looked awfully big too.

Pepper the cat hopped up onto the quilt, purring loudly. "At least I'm not totally alone," Aisha whispered, scratching behind Pepper's ears. Outside, the tall tree's branches scratched softly against the glass, like fingers tapping to come in.

The lamp clicked off. Darkness swallowed the room whole. Aisha pulled the blanket to her chin. "Think of the beach," she whispered to herself — but the thought slipped away fast, chased off by every strange new creak of the house settling in for the night.

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