Pleading For A Pet
For weeks, Jessica’s four-year-old son, Sam, had been pleading for a pet. Every day after school, he would ask with wide, hopeful eyes, "Mommy, can we please get a cat?" His persistence was unwavering.
Jessica, however, wasn’t convinced. After their recent move to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, life still felt too unsettled. “Sweetie, pets are a lot of responsibility,” she would gently remind him, hoping to help him understand. But each time she said no, the disappointment on Sam’s face tugged at her heart, making her second-guess her decision.
New York To Stroudsburg
The move from New York to Stroudsburg had been tough for Jessica. Still grieving the sudden loss of her husband, Eric, she found it difficult to adjust to their new surroundings. Everything felt unfamiliar, and the weight of his absence made the transition even harder.
Eric, a firefighter, had died tragically in the line of duty, leaving a void in both Jessica and their son Sam's lives. As Jessica gazed out the window of their newly renovated home, she often thought, "It wasn’t supposed to be like this." Despite the emptiness, she was determined to create a fresh start for Sam, hoping the change would help them heal.
A Fresh Start
Stroudsburg was supposed to be a fresh start, a new chapter that Eric and Jessica had dreamed of before everything changed. They envisioned leaving behind the fast-paced life of New York and finding peace in a quieter town. But after Eric’s sudden death, Jessica was left to face this new life alone, burdened with the weight of grief and the plans they had made together.
Every day felt like a battle, but Jessica reminded herself she had to stay strong for Sam, their son. He was her anchor through the storm, the one source of light in her darkest moments. His happiness was her only focus now, and it gave her the strength to keep going.
Still Young
Although Sam was still young, he seemed to grasp that life without his father would never be the same. He tried to manage his emotions in small ways, yet the loneliness lingered, often surfacing when he least expected it.
"Mom, my friends have pets. Can I get one too? It would keep me company," Sam asked with quiet hope. Jessica had always been reluctant, fully aware of the responsibility that came with a pet, especially during such a turbulent time. Yet, seeing her son’s sadness made it hard to say no.
Despite Knowing
Jessica had been saying no to Sam for weeks, despite knowing that eventually, she’d have to give in. She had watched him try to occupy himself with toys, all while his eyes wandered toward his friends and their pets. It was becoming harder to deny him what he longed for.
One evening, the thought crossed her mind—maybe a cat could help him heal. After much consideration, she finally relented. “Alright, Sam, we can get a cat,” she said. Sam’s face lit up, and he threw his arms around her, bursting with joy. Jessica smiled softly, hoping this would bring some comfort to her son.
An Animal Shelter
Jessica visited an animal shelter on the outskirts of town, hoping to find an adult cat that wouldn’t need too much attention but could still offer companionship to Sam. She preferred a pet that was independent yet friendly, something that could fit seamlessly into their lives.
While browsing, a playful orange tabby caught her eye. The shelter staff shared that the cat, named Nurgle, had a gentle temperament and was great with children. Instantly feeling a connection, Jessica decided on the spot. “We’ll take her,” she said, leaving the shelter with a sense of optimism, hoping Nurgle would bring some much-needed warmth to their home.
Introducing Nurgle
When Jessica introduced Nurgle to Sam, his excitement was instant. “What’s her name?” he asked, reaching out eagerly to stroke her soft fur.
“Nurgle,” Jessica responded with a grin. Sam scooped the fluffy orange cat into his arms. Though Nurgle squirmed at first, she quickly settled into the embrace, purring contentedly. “She’s perfect!” Sam declared, his eyes lighting up with joy. For the first time in weeks, Jessica saw a spark of happiness in him. Nurgle was already weaving her magic, and Jessica felt a wave of relief, hopeful this was the beginning of something brighter for them both.
Becoming Inseparable
As time went on, Sam and Nurgle became inseparable. Wherever Sam was, Nurgle was always nearby. If Sam played in the living room, Nurgle would settle on the couch, quietly watching over him. When Sam colored at the kitchen table, Nurgle would sprawl out at his feet, content just to be close.
Jessica often marveled at their bond. "She really loves you, Sam," she'd comment as she observed the pair. Sam would smile, gently petting Nurgle's soft fur, and reply, "She's my best friend." Jessica couldn’t help but feel thankful they had found Nurgle, the perfect companion for her son.
Hesitated
Soon after, Sam began asking if Nurgle could sleep in his room. Jessica hesitated, aware that letting the cat stay might quickly turn into a nightly routine. “Please, Mom? She makes me feel safe,” Sam begged one evening, his eyes bright with hope. Jessica couldn’t ignore how much joy Nurgle brought him, the bond between them clear.
Reluctantly, she gave in. "Alright, but just for tonight," she said, trying to sound firm. Sam beamed, hugging his cat tightly. That night, Nurgle settled comfortably at the foot of Sam's bed.
A Nightly Routine
What started as one night quickly became a nightly ritual. Every evening, Nurgle would trot alongside Sam, jumping onto his bed and settling comfortably at his feet. Jessica, seeing how much joy it brought her son, let it continue. The sight of Sam, wrapped in blankets with his loyal companion, never failed to bring a smile to her face.
“You two are quite the team,” she’d say, watching Sam drift into sleep with Nurgle close by. But Jessica had no idea that this simple routine was about to unravel in unexpected and unsettling ways.
The Night of the Fright
Three weeks after Nurgle’s arrival, Sam woke Jessica up in the middle of the night. He was crying, his voice shaky as he clutched his stuffed bear. “Mommy, something’s in my bed,” he sobbed, his words barely coherent through the tears. Jessica rubbed her eyes, half-asleep, and assumed it was just a bad dream.
“It’s just Nurgle, sweetie,” she reassured him. But Sam shook his head. “No, Mommy, it’s not her! It’s something else!” His fear was real, and that alarmed Jessica. “Okay, let’s go check,” she said, rising from her bed.
The Search for the Intruder
Jessica followed Sam to his room, turning on the light as they entered. Everything seemed normal. The bed was messy as expected, and Nurgle was sitting in the corner, her yellow eyes watching curiously.
Jessica pulled back the covers, showing Sam there was nothing there. “See? It’s just you and Nurgle,” she said with a smile. But Sam still looked uneasy. “Mommy, check under the bed!” he pleaded. Jessica crouched down and lifted the dust ruffle. Nothing. “There’s nothing, Sam,” she said gently, but the worry in his eyes didn’t go away.
A Night Together
Jessica could tell that Sam was still scared, so she made him an offer. “How about you sleep in my bed tonight?” she asked. Sam nodded quickly, clutching his stuffed bear tighter. “And we’ll bring Nurgle too,” she added. Sam smiled, feeling reassured by his mother’s offer. Together, they headed back to Jessica’s room.
Once Sam and Nurgle were settled in the bed, Jessica took one last glance at the hallway leading to Sam’s room. Something about his fear lingered in her mind, and she couldn’t quite shake the unease she felt.
Setting Up the Camera
Before heading to bed herself, Jessica had an idea. “I’ll set up my laptop camera,” she thought. If Sam really thought there was something in his room, maybe the camera would capture it.
Jessica grabbed her laptop and positioned it on Sam’s dresser, facing the bed. She turned on the recording feature and dimmed the lights. “Better safe than sorry,” she muttered, though part of her felt silly for doing this. She joined Sam and Nurgle in bed, determined to figure out what was causing her son so much fear.
Nothing on the Tape
The next morning, Jessica eagerly checked the laptop footage. She fast-forwarded through hours of uneventful sleeping until finally, she reached the time Sam had woken her up. But to her disappointment, there was nothing unusual in the video. Just Sam tossing and turning, with Nurgle curled up at the foot of the bed. Jessica sighed in relief.
“It must’ve been a bad dream,” she concluded. She told Sam what she’d seen on the camera, hoping it would calm his nerves. “See? Nothing’s there, sweetie,” she reassured him, hugging him tightly.
A Repeat of the Fright
But that night, it happened again. Jessica was jolted awake by the sound of Sam’s voice. “Mommy, it’s back! There’s something in my bed!” he cried, standing at the foot of her bed with wide, frightened eyes. Jessica tried to calm him down, reminding him that they had checked the camera the night before. “It’s just your imagination, Sam,” she said softly.
But Sam wasn’t convinced. “No, Mommy! I’m not making it up!” he insisted. Jessica sighed, wondering what could be causing these recurring fears. Something wasn’t right.
Consulting Her Friend
Worried about Sam’s ongoing night terrors, Jessica decided to talk to one of her new friends, Claire. Over coffee, she explained the situation. “Sam’s been having these awful nightmares about something in his bed,” Jessica said. “But every time I check, there’s nothing there.” Claire frowned, listening closely. “Maybe it’s just a phase,” Claire suggested.
“Kids go through stuff like that. Especially after everything you two have been through.” Jessica nodded, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. Deep down, she wondered if there was something more to it than just a bad dream.
Another Sleepless Night
The following night, Jessica stayed awake longer than usual, keeping an ear out for any signs of Sam’s distress. Hours passed without incident, and she started to relax, thinking maybe things were improving.
But just as she was about to drift off to sleep, she heard it again—Sam’s panicked voice. “Mommy! It’s here again!” Jessica shot up from her bed, her heart racing. She rushed to Sam’s room, her mind swirling with confusion. This time, she was determined to figure out what was causing her son so much fear.
The Laptop Reveals Something
After calming Sam down and letting him sleep in her room once more, Jessica checked the footage again the next morning. But this time, as she fast-forwarded, something caught her eye.
Just after Sam had gone to bed, there was a subtle shift in the blankets. Jessica frowned and rewound the footage. She watched carefully as the blankets seemed to lift on their own, as if something was moving beneath them. Her heart pounded in her chest. “What on earth…?” she whispered to herself, unsure of what she was seeing.
A Mysterious Movement
Jessica stared at the footage, her eyes wide with disbelief. The blankets on Sam’s bed lifted slightly, as if something—or someone—was under them! But there was no one there. No visible figure, no explanation for the eerie movement. Jessica rewound the footage again, playing it back in slow motion. The same thing happened.
The blankets shifted, and Nurgle, who had been lying at the foot of the bed, lifted her head as if she noticed it too. Jessica’s heart raced. Something was definitely wrong, and it wasn’t just Sam’s imagination.
Confusion and Fear
Jessica couldn’t believe what she had just seen. She sat at the edge of the bed, gripping the laptop as her mind raced. “What is going on?” she thought.
She had expected to find nothing, to confirm that it was just Sam’s active imagination. But the footage was clear—there was movement in the bed, and it wasn’t coming from Sam or Nurgle. “Could it be a draft?” she wondered, but the thought didn’t bring much comfort. There was no explanation for what she had witnessed, and the unease grew stronger.
Sharing the Footage with Claire
The next day, Jessica called Claire over to her house. “You have to see this,” she said, her voice shaking as she replayed the footage for her friend. Claire watched in silence as the blankets shifted on the screen, her face slowly turning pale. “That’s... really weird,” Claire said, her voice barely above a whisper. Jessica nodded, her hands trembling slightly.
“What do you think it is?” she asked, hoping Claire would have some logical explanation. But Claire was just as baffled. “I don’t know, Jess. But it’s definitely not normal.”
Investigating the Room
Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Jessica and Claire decided to thoroughly inspect Sam’s room. They checked every corner, every nook and cranny, looking for any possible explanation.
Maybe there was a hidden draft or something causing the blankets to move. But no matter how closely they looked, they found nothing. Everything seemed normal. “It doesn’t make any sense,” Jessica muttered as she opened the closet and checked under the bed. The room was just like any other. Still, the footage told a different story.
Talking to Sam
That evening, Jessica decided to talk to Sam about the mysterious events. “Sam, when you say something’s in your bed, can you tell me what it feels like?” she asked gently.
Sam hesitated for a moment, looking down at his hands. “It feels... like something is under the blankets,” he whispered. “Like it’s moving.” Jessica’s stomach tightened at his words. “Does it scare you?” she asked, already knowing the answer. Sam nodded. “It feels cold, Mommy. Like it’s trying to pull me under.” Jessica’s heart broke for her son.
Nurgle’s Behavior
Jessica started to notice a change in Nurgle’s behavior as well. The once calm and lazy cat was now acting strange, especially around Sam’s bed. Every night, just before bed, Nurgle would sit at the edge of the room, staring intently at the bed as if something invisible was there. Sometimes she would hiss or growl quietly, her fur standing on end.
“What’s gotten into you, girl?” Jessica asked one night, watching as Nurgle refused to get too close to the bed. It was clear that the cat sensed something unusual too.
Seeking Professional Help
At her wit’s end, Jessica decided to reach out to a local child psychologist. Dr. Meyers specialized in children’s night terrors and was well-known in the area for helping families navigate their way through unusual fears.
Jessica scheduled an appointment and took Sam in the following week. “Night terrors can sometimes be a manifestation of trauma,” Dr. Meyers explained. Jessica nodded, knowing that Sam’s life had been anything but easy since his father’s death. But even Dr. Meyers seemed puzzled when Jessica mentioned the strange movements in the bed.
Dr. Meyers’ Concern
After listening to Jessica’s concerns and observing Sam’s behavior during the session, Dr. Meyers suggested a few calming techniques to try before bed. “Sometimes kids develop these fears as a way to process things they don’t understand,” she said. “But the fact that there’s physical evidence—like the blankets moving—is concerning.” Jessica agreed.
“Is there anything else I can do?” she asked. Dr. Meyers recommended trying a new bedtime routine, including soft music and a nightlight. She also suggested continuing to monitor the room for any unusual activity.
A New Routine
Determined to help Sam feel safe again, Jessica implemented the new bedtime routine. Every night, she would turn on soft music and place a glowing nightlight on Sam’s bedside table.
They would read a story together, and Sam would fall asleep with Nurgle by his side. For the first couple of nights, things seemed to improve. Sam didn’t wake up in the middle of the night, and Jessica hoped the worst was behind them. “Maybe it’s working,” she thought. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still off.
The Final Incident
A week after starting the new routine, Jessica was awoken by a blood-curdling scream. “Mommy!” Sam’s voice echoed through the house, filled with terror.
Jessica raced to his room, her heart pounding in her chest. She burst through the door and found Sam standing on his bed, shaking and pointing to the foot of the mattress. “It was there! It was right there!” he cried. Jessica’s eyes darted to where Sam was pointing, but there was nothing. Nurgle was nowhere to be seen, and the blankets were once again undisturbed.
The Cold Spot
Jessica rushed to Sam’s side, pulling him into her arms. “It’s okay, baby. I’m here,” she whispered, trying to calm him down. But as she stepped toward the foot of the bed, she felt something strange.
The air around her grew noticeably colder, like a sudden drop in temperature. Jessica frowned and reached out, her hand brushing the blankets. They were ice-cold, as if they had been left out in the winter air. “What...?” she muttered, confused by the sudden chill. The room felt different, and for the first time, Jessica began to feel truly afraid.
A Decision to Leave
That night, after calming Sam down, Jessica lay awake, her mind racing. The cold spot, the eerie movements—everything felt too strange to ignore.
"Oh, Eric. This house isn't safe for Sam," she said. She decided they would spend a few nights away at her sister’s place in town. Sam needed to feel secure, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something beyond their understanding was happening. “We’ll pack tomorrow,” she whispered, gently stroking Sam’s hair as he slept beside her.
Packing for Safety
The next morning, Jessica explained the situation to Sam, keeping it simple. “We’re going to stay with Aunt Liz for a few days, okay? Just for fun,” she said, trying to sound upbeat.
Sam hesitated. “What about Nurgle?” he asked, his voice trembling. “She’ll come with us, don’t worry,” Jessica reassured him. They spent the afternoon packing a few essentials, and Jessica couldn’t shake the weight of their decision. She hoped this would be enough to give them some peace.
An Unexpected Return
As Jessica zipped up the last of the suitcases, she heard a soft meow. Nurgle was standing at the door, her yellow eyes watching intently. “Come here, girl,” Jessica called.
But instead of coming closer, Nurgle turned and darted back toward Sam’s room. Jessica’s stomach tightened. “What’s she doing?” she thought, following the cat. When she reached Sam’s room, Nurgle was sitting at the foot of the bed, staring at the blanket with an intensity Jessica hadn’t seen before. “What’s under there?” Jessica whispered, feeling a sense of dread.
A Disturbing Discovery
Jessica approached the bed slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached down to lift the blanket, fully expecting to find nothing. But as the fabric moved, her breath caught in her throat.
Hidden underneath were several tiny, squirming bodies—kittens. Nurgle’s kittens. “Oh my god,” Jessica gasped. She knelt beside the bed, stunned. “She must’ve had them here,” Jessica thought, piecing together the puzzle. The mysterious movements, the cold spots—it wasn’t something supernatural after all. It was Nurgle, hiding her newborn kittens.
Realization Hits
Jessica’s hands shook as she reached out to gently scoop up one of the kittens. “This is what Sam has been feeling,” she realized. The kittens must have been moving under the blankets at night, causing the strange sensations Sam had been experiencing. Nurgle, being protective, had probably chosen Sam’s bed as a safe spot.
Jessica sighed with relief, though she felt guilty for not realizing it sooner. “I thought it was something much worse,” she muttered, shaking her head.
Telling Sam the Truth
That evening, Jessica sat Sam down and told him what she had found. “Sam, there’s something important I need to tell you,” she began gently. Sam looked up at her, his big brown eyes full of curiosity.
“Remember how you kept feeling something in your bed?” Jessica asked. Sam nodded, his face tense. “Well, it wasn’t anything scary. It was Nurgle. She had kittens under your blankets,” Jessica explained, smiling softly. Sam’s eyes widened in surprise. “Kittens? Really?” he asked, his fear slowly melting into wonder.
Meeting the Kittens
Jessica took Sam to his room, where Nurgle was now curled up with her kittens in a cozy makeshift nest. Sam gasped when he saw the tiny creatures, their eyes barely open, wriggling beside their mother. “They’re so small,” he whispered in awe, kneeling beside the bed. Nurgle watched protectively but didn’t mind as Sam gently stroked the soft fur of one of her babies.
“They were the ones moving around at night,” Jessica said softly. Sam nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “I’m not scared anymore,” he said proudly.
A Lesson in Compassion
Over the next few days, Jessica and Sam spent their time caring for Nurgle and her kittens. Jessica used this opportunity to teach Sam about the importance of compassion and responsibility.
“We have to take good care of them,” she told him. Sam listened closely, eager to help. He took on the role of Nurgle’s little assistant, making sure she had plenty of food and water while watching over the kittens. Jessica smiled as she saw Sam’s nurturing side grow stronger. “He’s going to be okay,” she thought.
Moving Forward Together
As the days passed, the sense of fear and unease that had hung over their home began to fade. Jessica no longer felt the tension in the air, and Sam’s night terrors stopped completely.
The house, once filled with uncertainty, now felt warm and full of life. Nurgle and her kittens brought a new sense of joy into their lives, helping both Jessica and Sam heal from the trauma they had been carrying. “This is what we needed,” Jessica thought, feeling more at peace than she had in months.
A Visit from Claire
One afternoon, Claire stopped by to check in on Jessica and Sam. When Jessica showed her the kittens, Claire couldn’t help but laugh. “So that’s what was going on the whole time?” she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
Jessica nodded, chuckling along with her friend. “I thought we were dealing with some kind of ghost or something!” Claire said, still amused. Jessica smiled. “I did too. But I’m glad it turned out to be something as simple as kittens,” she replied, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders.
A Fresh Start
With the mystery solved, Jessica felt like she and Sam could finally move forward. Their home, once filled with sadness and memories of loss, now felt like a place of healing and new beginnings.
Sam was thriving, spending his days playing with the kittens and growing more confident each day. Jessica watched him, her heart full of gratitude. “We’re going to be okay,” she thought. And for the first time in a long time, she truly believed it.
The Bond Between Sam and Nurgle
As the weeks went by, the bond between Sam and Nurgle grew even stronger. Nurgle seemed to sense how much Sam needed her, and she was always by his side, watching over him and her kittens.
“You’re my best friend,” Sam would whisper to Nurgle every night before bed. And with Nurgle curled up beside him, Sam no longer felt afraid. He had his family—Jessica, Nurgle, and now the kittens—and that was all he needed to feel safe.
Finding Homes for the Kittens
As the kittens grew older, Jessica knew it would soon be time to find them new homes. She talked to Sam about it gently. She explained that while they couldn’t keep all of the kittens, they would make sure each one went to a loving family. Sam was sad at first but understood. “Can we visit them sometimes?” he asked.
Jessica smiled and nodded. “Of course we can,” she reassured him. Together, they began the process of finding the perfect homes for each kitten.
A Community Comes Together
Word quickly spread around Stroudsburg about Nurgle’s kittens, and soon neighbors and friends were reaching out to adopt them. The sense of community that Jessica had once longed for began to blossom. People offered help and support, not just for the kittens, but for Jessica and Sam as well.
It felt like they were no longer alone in their journey. “This is what Eric would’ve wanted,” Jessica thought, grateful for the kindness surrounding them.
A Future Full of Hope
As the last of Nurgle’s kittens found a home, Jessica and Sam stood at the front door, waving goodbye to their new friends. Nurgle brushed against Sam’s leg, purring softly.
“We did good, didn’t we, Mommy?” Sam asked, looking up at her with a smile. Jessica nodded, her heart full. “Yes, sweetie. We did.” And in that moment, Jessica knew that they were no longer just surviving—they were living, full of hope for the future, with Nurgle by their side.