Tap Tap Tap

Dedicated to Jacob Ballou

Part 1

Aaron sits in front of the TV, eyes wide, and mouth slack. On the screen, a slow-moving mummy groans and hunts the two archeologists who has disturbed his sleep. Aaron flinches when the lady screams as she faces the mummy.

His mom walks into the living room carrying a laundry basket. She glances at the TV and sighs. “Aaron, this movie is going to give you nightmares.”

“No, it won’t,” Aaron says, rolling his eyes. He sits forward on the couch just as his little brother rushes into the room.

“Aaron, Aaron, can we watch Paw Patrol now?”

“No, Simon. I’m watching a mummy movie right now. Maybe later,” Aaron says, moving from side to side so he can see around his little brother.

Simon grumbles under his breath and plops down on the couch next to Aaron. “You never watch what I want to watch.”

The boys’ mom glance back at them and shakes her head. She sits down on the other side of Aaron and begins to fold the laundry.

After an hour, the front door opens, startling the two boys. They scream and turn just as their dad walks in, looking confused. They both put their hands over their chest, being over dramatic. Their mom laughs and puts down the pants she folded.

“They’re watching that Mummy movie again,” she says, nodding towards the TV. She pulls out a shirt and folds it.

“I thought we got rid of that movie.” Dad sets his briefcase down by the door and joins his family in the living room. He sits down and helps his wife finish folding the laundry.

After they are done, they go get dinner ready. They leave the boys to finish the scary movie on their own. Mom cooks while dad sets the table. He calls for Aaron to turn off the TV and to come and eat.

The family enjoys dinner together while they talk about school and work. Aaron answers some questions, but he is more interested in thinking about the movie.

Yawning widely, he makes his way to his bedroom after dinner. He packs his bag, putting away his homework, and starts to get ready for bed. Hoping in bed, he turns off the lights and snuggles down in his bed.

His eyes close slowly as he drifts to sleep.

Tap… tap… tap…

Aaron’s eyes pop open.