6 year old Keith and his Teddy Bear did everything together ever since he received him from his parents when he was just a baby; it was his first toy. Baths, the playground, the supermarket, the two went everywhere and did everything together.
One day Keith was watching TV with his family.
“It’s almost time for bed Keith! Get yourself ready!” his Mom yelled from the kitchen, “Is you Teddy Bear going to sleep with you?”
Keith realized he had never given his Teddy Bear a name. He stared at his little friend and thought hard. He then came up with it.
“Your name is Daniel.” Keith said to his newly named friend.
Keith’s Mom had him in bed and all tucked in. She walked to the door and as her hand reached the light switch, Keith spoke up, “Please don’t turn off the lights mommy!” He squeezed Daniel tighter and tighter. “I don’t want the monsters to get me!”
His mom looked at him and smiled warmly. “No monster will hurt you honey.” Keith forced a smile.
“And besides, if anything happens to my little baby boy, your friend will protect you.” She smiled and laughed.
“That’s right! Daniel will protect me! Because we’re gonna be best friends no matter what!” He gave the biggest smile and hugged his bear tighter than he ever hugged him before.
His mother laughed once again and flipped the light switch off. “Now go to sleep sweetie. Sweet dreams.” She slowly closed the door and waved to him.
“Good night mommy!” yelled Keith happily as he snuggled into his pillows and covers.
Keith hugged his friend tightly and smiled, eyes-closed, ready to go to dream land. “Good night buddy.” He whispered as he finally dozed off.
Keith kept hearing voices and rattling metal in his sleep and decided to sit up. He awoke to find himself chained to the floor with shackles inside of a metal cage. He looked around only to see he was in a very dark cave.
“Hello?” Keith yelled into the darkness.
“Hello. You must be Keith.” responded a low raspy voice from behind him.
Keith spun around to see a little green troll-like creature staring at him with a menacing smile.
“I’ve finally captured you, young man.” He giggled maniacally.
“What do you want from me?!” asked Keith now completely terrified.
The troll creature laughed proudly, “What do I want? You precious dreams, that’s what. Your dreams have more power than any other human I’ve ever seen.”
“My… dreams?...” Keith, unsure what to do, began to cry.
“Yes, yes… It’s taken much too long and I would have you sooner if it weren’t for-“
The troll creature was interrupted by a different voice. A voice familiar to Keith, yet new at the same time.
“LET HIM GO, BUGLE!” yelled the voice. Out of the darkness ran Keith’s teddy bear. “You’ve crossed the line this time!”
Keith looked up in disbelief, tears still in his eyes. He gradually formed a smile. “You came for me… Daniel!”
The troll creature known as Bugle sneered in disappointment and then laughed, “Your name is Daniel now?”
Daniel smirked, “Yes it is! And it’s an awesome name! Now time to get you out of here Keith!”
The troll yelled violently, “Why do you always keep me from taking him!? Why!?”
Daniel smiled and held up the key for the cage and shackles. “It’s because we’re gonna be best friends no matter what!”
Daniel started running forward at Bugle and at that moment, Keith suddenly blacked out.
Keith shot up and looked around. He was comfortably in his bed and it was now morning.
“It must’ve been all a dream.” He whispered to himself. Daniel lay next to Keith unmoving. Keith picked up Daniel and gazed at the permanent smile upon his face.
“Keith! Time for breakfast!” called his Mom from downstairs.
“COMING MOM!!” Keith yelled. He turned back to face Daniel. “It may have been a dream, but thanks for everything.” He said warmly. He jumped out of bed and ran out the door.
Daniel sat up and looked at the open door and smiled. “Anytime buddy. Anytime.”
