Max lived in a cozy house with his mom, dad, and his fluffy orange cat, Whiskers. Max loved to play with his toys, build tall block towers, and read books. But when the sun went down, Max had one big worry.

“There’s a monster under my bed,” Max whispered every night. His mom would tuck him in, and his dad would read him a story. Whiskers would curl up by his feet, purring softly. But Max still felt nervous.

“Max, there are no monsters,” his mom always said, smiling. “It’s just your imagination.”

But Max wasn’t so sure.

One night, after everyone said goodnight, Max heard a soft noise. It sounded like a sniffle. He sat up in his bed and looked around. The room was dark except for the light from his night lamp, which made soft shadows on the walls.

“Did you hear that, Whiskers?” Max whispered. But Whiskers just yawned and stretched.

Max grabbed his flashlight from his bedside table. He leaned over and slowly peeked under his bed. That’s when he saw it—a pair of big, round eyes staring back at him.

“Eek!” Max squealed, dropping his flashlight.

The eyes blinked. Then, to Max’s surprise, a soft voice said, “Oh no, please don’t be scared.”

Max blinked. “Did you just… talk?”

The creature under the bed crawled out, revealing itself. It was a small, round monster with soft, fuzzy fur, big ears, and tiny horns. It had a silly smile and wobbly arms.

“Hi,” the monster said shyly. “I’m Mo. I live under your bed.”

Max stared, but Mo didn’t seem scary at all. “You’re… you’re the monster under my bed?”

“Yep,” Mo said, looking a little embarrassed. “But I’m not really a scary monster. Actually, I’m afraid of the dark.”

Max was surprised. “You’re afraid of the dark? But you live under my bed! It’s always dark there.”

Mo nodded sadly. “I know. That’s why I snuffle and sniffle. It’s too dark and lonely under there.”

Max thought about it. “Why don’t you come out? My room isn’t dark, see?” He pointed to his night lamp.

Mo peeked around. “It does look cozy up here.”

Max smiled. “Do you like stories? My dad just read me one about a dragon.”

Mo’s eyes lit up. “I love stories!”

Max picked up his book and started to read. Mo listened, his big ears twitching with every word. Whiskers even joined, curling up next to Mo and purring softly.

“You have a nice voice,” Mo said. “You make the dragon sound friendly.”

Max giggled. “Thanks! I like dragons, even the ones that look a little scary.”

Mo nodded. “That’s how I feel, too. I look scary, but I’m not.”

After the story, Max yawned. “I think it’s bedtime now,” he said, feeling sleepy. “But you can stay here if you want.”

Mo looked around. “Are you sure? I don’t want to bother you.”

Max nodded. “You’re not scary, Mo. And you don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

Mo smiled, showing his tiny teeth. “Thank you, Max. You’re the first friend I’ve ever had.”

Max helped Mo make a little bed next to his own, using an extra blanket. Whiskers snuggled up next to Mo, who looked so happy.

“You’re not a monster,” Max said with a smile. “You’re just Mo.”

Mo grinned. “And you’re Max. The best kid I know.”

Max turned off his flashlight and snuggled into his bed. Mo felt safe and warm for the first time ever. As they all drifted off to sleep, Max whispered, “Goodnight, Mo.”

“Goodnight, Max,” Mo whispered back. “I’m glad I met you.”

And from that night on, Max never worried about monsters under his bed. Because he knew that Mo, his new friend, was just afraid of the dark too. And together, they made the nighttime feel a little brighter.

The End.