Chapter Text
"Masky?" A little voice asked.
Masky groaned something out.
It was far too early to be up.
He didn't didn't want to open his eyes, for doing so would acknowledge how little sleep he had gotten.
His clock by the side of his bed was always right.
"Masky, I can't sleep!" The person - Leo - asked.
"Well, try counting some sheep."
"I tried that, but it doesn't work - I get distracted and think about something like dragons, or pirates, and I lose my focus."
The little boy whined.
Masky sighed.
He was gonna have to get up.
"Alright, kid…" he wiped his eyes. "I'm up. Now, what do you-?"
Leo was clutching his stuffed opossum tightly.
"-want?"
Leo sniffed hesitantly. He squeezed his plush toy tighter. His eyes were wide; his knuckles were white.
"It's been a month since…"
Since what-?
Oh.
Oh.
"...since my mom…"
"Okay, lil man…" Masky sat himself up.
Leo shifted nervously on his feet. Masky patted his bed softly.
"You wanna cozy yourself up in here?" Masky lifted his sheets up.
Leo nodded. He wiped his right eye. He padded over to the side of Masky's bed, and wormed himself under the covers. Masky chuckled and patted his head.
"Alright, kid," smiled Masky. "Don't worry, I'll be right here."
"I know." Leo nodded.
The kid smiled.
To himself, Masky thought, I'll always be here…