In stars above

'This or That, Vol 34' Contest Sponsor: Edward Ibeh 18/6/25 _________________________________________ "It is the stars, The stars above us, govern our conditions," Quote by William Shakespeare Watching his face carefully for nuance of expression. My sweet boy had developed such intense depression. Every night his screams of terror would fill the air. A calm uneventful sleep for him, was my prayer. As sleep befell him, his panic and terror would begin. Wailing, face wet with tears, unnerved by a horror within. Holding him tight wasn’t any help as he trembled in fear. His tired eyes fixed on a demon that isn’t really here. Aggressive yet scared, an abhorrence to be sleeping at night. Despair, overtook normal living to find a cure for his fright. A boy once filled with love and joy, now replaced by distress. Doctor offers strong drugs for him, reluctantly I will acquiesce. Handing me a box, and holding a ladder, a neighbor came to call. Stating this is for Michael and you must be careful not to fall. I was most perplexed so for an explanation I sought. What was the reason for his visit, and the things he brought? He explained that he had seen his father die as a child. The experience had turned sleeping into a horror so wild. The box was full of self-adhesive glow in the dark stars. Included were a larger peel- off Saturn and Mars. His family had placed some iridescent stickers over his ceiling. This, he explained was the start of his healing. He helped me to adhere every last bright star. During the daylight it is impossible to see where they are. That night they shone and twinkled like candles in the wind. Taking advice from a stranger, I was chagrined. Next morning he called quite concerned, he hadn't heard a peep. "Shhh" I whispered, "Since eight pm last night, he is still asleep."