While Manhattan slept, Samantha Wells—children’s book author and mom of two—was up battling writer’s block. As her green tea sat forgotten and cold, she paced her apartment, hoping a change of scenery would spark inspiration.
At 2 a.m., her daughter Julia, just three, turned on her bedroom light. Samantha found her wide-eyed, insisting there was a monster under the bed. Samantha comforted her, chalking it up to another creative excuse to sleep in Mom’s room. After soothing her with a story, she returned to her writing, now flowing with ease.
But around 3:30 a.m., Julia cried out again. This time, Samantha noticed strange movements under the bedroom door. Alarmed, she rushed in, grabbed an umbrella for protection, and looked under the bed—only to find a scared little puppy hiding there.
Relieved, Samantha showed the pup to Julia and Jacob. Julia’s fear turned into delight as she cuddled it. But Samantha quickly realized the truth: Jacob, her nine-year-old, must have snuck the puppy in. He had begged for one a week earlier, but she’d said no—until he turned 10.
Caught, Jacob tearfully admitted it. Samantha gently scolded him, reminding him not to hide things from her. Julia, however, forgave him instantly and asked to name the puppy “Mr. Cuddles.”
Samantha looked at their hopeful faces and smiled. Jacob’s birthday was only two months away. “Alright,” she said. “Mr. Cuddles is part of the family now.”
The kids cheered, and Samantha knew her night had given her more than just a story—it gave them all a new beginning.
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