Fantasy, Short Story

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we
are urged to get creative in 250 words or less. The
photo below is our inspiration and this is my story.

© Ayr/Gray

Confined to her bed with fever, little Eleanor had a perfect view of the tree outside her window. On this gloomy February evening, the moon crept out from behind a cloud, casting horrifying shadows wherever Eleanor looked. Low hanging branches took on the appearance of bony arms and fingers ready to snatch her up. As the crooked limbs inched closer, Eleanor tried to look away but the images were everywhere. A loud thunder clap shook the walls; the giant tree was suddenly looming over her! Eleanor was too terrified to move.

Before her eyes, a long dark hole in the tree trunk transformed into a mouth. Licking its weathered lips, the old tree raised a gnarled hand and patted the top of Eleanor’s blonde head. A rumbling came from deep inside the trunk and the tree began to drool. “Well, what have we here? A youngling! And just in time for dinner.”

Eleanor screamed loudly, scaring off the bats hiding among the branches. “Hush now, child!” warned the tree. “Why all the fuss?” Grimacing, the old tree placed a gnarled limb on Eleanor’s shoulder, easing her closer to its mouth. “Please step inside. I’ve not had guests in ages. Please. I insist.” and gave Eleanor a shove.

The bedroom door flew open and Eleanor’s anxious parents rushed in. To their immense relief, all was calm; Eleanor slept peacefully in her bed. They kissed her warm forehead and tiptoed out.

On the floor below the window, a crooked twig lay unnoticed.

NAR©2025
250 Words


*Many thanks to my friend, Ernie “Dawg” Federspiel, for gifting me with the fabulous new logo below. What a wonderful and generous surprise. Thanks so much, Dawg! You’re great!  🥰


This is “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

The Unicorn Challenge-14/02/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy ~ The Writer Formerly Know AsThe Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

43 thoughts on “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”

    1. Thank you, Michele. I remember when my eldest son had many consecutive nights not being able to sleep because something was scaring him. He kept telling us there was a witch in his room. This went on for the longest time but no amount of reassuring him did any good. We searched the room multiple times and found nothing, of course. We checked for tree branches and shadows but again, nothing. One night I was so exhausted and frustrated, I just slumped down onto the bed next to my son and that’s when I saw it! There was a fold in his curtain valance and the glow from his nightlight cast a shadow that looked like a witch with a big nose and a gaping mouth. I was so grateful to have found what was scaring my boy but I felt horrible that he went through that awful experience for so long. 😔

      Now, about the ‘news’. I hate to disappoint you but there’s really nothing exciting going on…..just a profile name change. I didn’t want to do it abruptly and I thought it would be a funny take off on The Artist Formerly Known As Prince! It’s all pretty boring stuff! 😂

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  10. First, your new header is awesome!!! This story brought back memories of a nightmare I had as a child where a tree walked across our backyard and tried to reach in my second story bedroom window. A terrifying dream. You are most welcome for the logo. Have a great Saturday my friend.

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    1. Oh no! Sorry for dredging up bad memories! Isn’t it amazing the things we remember?

      Thanks for your comments about my header. It’s a lucky mistake! I lost my original one while trying to get my logo set as a footer and not a header. It’s ok…..I like this new header a lot!

      Most people would not create something like that beautiful logo and send it as a surprise. That alone speaks volumes about the type of person you are. Thanks again, Dawg!

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  15. Well, that was scary, Nancy.
    A great balance between the creepy tree and Eleanor’s reaction and so vivid.
    It took me right back to the feeling of my own childhood terror dream.
    Glad it all ended well.

    And your new logo is fabulous.

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