When they first moved in, the forest was big and lush behind the apartment building. It was the entire view through the kitchen window, standing at the sink washing dishes. Birds were often in the ... [+]
Rolli is the author of two children’s books: the story collection Dr. Franklin’s Staticy Cat and the novel Kabungo. His website is rollistuff.com. "The Bear Under the Bed" is in Short Circuit #04, Short Édition's quarterly review.
Sometimes I can't sleep. That's because of the bear under the bed.One night, the bear was breathing hard.When he breathed in, the bed lifted up off the floor.When he breathed out, the bed slammed back down.I was getting seasick. So I leaned over the edge of the bed and whispered, "If you could breathe just a smidge softer, Mr. Bear, I'd appreciate it, thank-you-very-much."I was perfectly polite. But the bear didn't care! In fact, he breathed even harder. It was a long night...Another time, the bear was snoring. Loud.The sound rattled my teeth. It swished the curtains. It shook my socks right o