Sta-Puft

Ever since she was a baby, Erica has had no trouble falling asleep. But last week, she saw something on the internet that stuck in her brain and scared her – Chucky. Damn Chucky. She’s never needed a nightlight, has been able to put herself to sleep, and felt safe. But now, the image of Chucky pops up as soon as bedtime rolls around. No amount of rational discussion, begging, pleading, or bribery will get her to return to the routine we used to have. Now it’s me sitting in the dark, on the floor by her bed, waiting to hear the deep, heavy breathing that signals she’s asleep, then tip-toeing off to my room.


I was afraid that Halloween would make it worse – more scary costumes, and yes, one Chucky in the school parade – but I was surprised that she wasn’t even afraid of the Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man that was on the neighbor’s lawn (with the neighbor inside the costume, no less!) I guess she has seen Ghostbusters enough times – thankfully!

Nightly we would have the same discussion, and gradually it came out of her – her fear really was about the murder of Jessica Ridgeway. She is terrified of someone watching her, being in her room, breaking in the house to take her. I have promised her this won’t happen, and I will do everything I can to keep her safe. I tell her it’s my job to worry – not hers. I kept the Aurora theater shootings from her, and I can see that I was right for doing so. I really, really wish I could have kept Jessica’s story from her. But I know she can’t live in a bubble, and that the real world is scary. This might take several months to get through – I hope not – but for now, I guess giving up some sleep is a small consolation to get my little girl to feel safe in her world again.