A Boy & His Imaginary Girl

The following morning, Ethan woke up in his chair, still at his desk. His neck ached from sleeping at an awkward angle, and the faint light of dawn seeped through his window. His eyes blinked open, adjusting to the morning glow. For a moment, he thought everything from the night before had been a dream.

But then he heard it—a soft humming, melodic and gentle.

Ethan's gaze snapped toward the corner of his room. Luna was there, crouched by his shelf of books, carefully examining a tattered novel with a curious expression. Her dress shimmered faintly in the early light, as if it were catching and reflecting the sun in ways no ordinary fabric could.

"Good morning," she said without looking up, her voice lilting and cheerful.

AAAAAAAARHRHRHHRHHHRH!!! Ehan Scared & gostared, his breath caught in his throat. His heart raced as the events of the night before came rushing back. She was real—or as real as anything could be.

"You're still here," he said, his voice rough with sleep.

Luna glanced up, her smile radiant. "Of course I'm here. Where else would I be?"

Ethan rubbed his eyes, trying to make sense of it all. The logical part of his brain screamed that this was impossible, but the evidence stood in front of him—alive, tangible, and leafing through his books as if she'd always been there.

"I don't understand," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "You… you came from my sketch. That's not possible."

Luna straightened, placing the book back on the shelf with care. "I know it doesn't make sense," she said gently, "but here I am. Sometimes things don't need to make sense to be true."

Ethan shook his head, still unable to believe what was happening. "Are you… like a ghost or something?"

Luna laughed, a sound so light and musical it made Ethan's chest ache. "Do I look like a ghost to you?" she teased, spinning slowly to show off her shimmering form. "I don't know what I am, Ethan. All I know is that you brought me here. Somehow."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his messy hair. His mind felt like it was spinning in circles, trying to find an explanation. He looked at Luna again, at the way her eyes seemed to sparkle with life and curiosity.

"Why me?" he asked quietly.

Luna stepped closer, her expression softening. "Because you needed someone," she said simply. "And I think, deep down, you've always wanted me to be here. Haven't you?"

Ethan swallowed hard, her words cutting through him. He couldn't deny the truth in them. He had wanted someone—someone who understood him, who wouldn't judge him or leave him behind. Someone who could fill the quiet spaces of his life with warmth.

But wanting something didn't make it real. And yet, there she was.

"Okay," he said finally, exhaling slowly. "Let's say I believe you. What happens now?"

Luna's smile returned, this time softer, almost mischievous. "Now, we see where this goes," she said. "What do you usually do all day?"

Ethan blinked at her, unsure how to answer. "I… draw. I read. I stay here, mostly."

"Well, that sounds cozy," Luna said, plopping herself onto the edge of his bed. "But I think we can do better than that."

"Better?" Ethan repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Luna nodded eagerly. "You've got all these amazing sketches and ideas," she said, gesturing toward the drawings on his walls. "I bet there's a whole world out there waiting for you to explore it. Don't you ever get curious?"

Ethan hesitated. He didn't want to admit how small his world had become, how the idea of stepping outside his comfort zone filled him with dread.

"Not really," he muttered.

Luna tilted her head, studying him intently. "That's okay," she said after a moment. "We can start small. Baby steps, right?"

Ethan frowned, feeling a strange mix of annoyance and intrigue. There was something about Luna's optimism that felt both challenging and comforting.

"What do you mean, 'start small'?" he asked.

Luna grinned, hopping to her feet. "Let's go for a walk," she said. "Just around the block. You can show me your world."

Ethan's stomach twisted at the thought. "A walk? Outside?"

"Why not?" Luna asked, her expression bright and encouraging. "It'll be fun."

He hesitated, glancing toward the window. The rain had stopped, leaving the world outside damp and gray. The thought of leaving his room, even for a short time, made his chest tighten with anxiety.

"I don't know…" he started.

Luna stepped closer, her eyes warm and understanding. "You don't have to be afraid, Ethan," she said softly. "I'm here with you. Just one step at a time."

Her words sank into him, quieting the storm in his mind. He took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to agree.

"Okay," he said finally. "Just around the block."

Luna beamed, grabbing his hand before he could change his mind. "Let's go!"

As they stepped out into the damp morning air, Ethan felt an unfamiliar sensation—a flicker of excitement mixed with nervous energy. Luna walked beside him, her presence steady and reassuring.

For the first time in a long time, Ethan felt like he wasn't facing the world alone.

---

To Be Continued..