Gus the Monster Under the Bed

Chapter 1: Sometimes the things that frighten us are just as frightened of us

Under Lily's bed, behind a dust bunny and a lost striped sock, lived a monster named Gus.

Gus was big and shaggy and purple, with three crooked horns, a tail like a feather duster, and teeth that stuck out in every direction. According to the Monster Handbook, he was supposed to be terrifying.

But Gus had a secret. He was scared of Lily.

It began the very first night he moved in.

"Rule number one," read Gus from his handbook, flashlight under his chin. "A good monster waits until the child is asleep, then growls softly to give her nightmares."

He took a deep breath. Just then, the bedsprings creaked above him, and a small voice said, "Good night, Teddy. Good night, Bunny. Good night, whoever lives under my bed."

Gus froze. She knows I'm here!

He clamped both paws over his mouth and didn't move for three whole hours.

The next night, Lily dropped a pillow, and her little hand dangled over the edge of the mattress, wiggling its fingers.

"AIEEE!" Gus squeaked, and dove into a shoebox.