When I was a little girl, my mum put a Winnie the Pooh nightlight on the landing for me just in case I got out of my bed during the night. It emitted the softest, most golden glow, like a star had been put inside it, and it helped me overcome my fear of the dark. I grew up - I forgot all about this nightlight - and then he left and I was reminded of just how terrifying the dark can be. When he loved me, I didn't need to be afraid of it - I didn't even need to be afraid of myself. Now I'm sleeping with a nightlight again instead of him because it's the only thing that can ward off the nightmares, the only thing that makes me feel safe enough to fall asleep.
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