Thump-Thump-Thump

Tommy begs his father to read him the bedtime story even though his father tells him that it will be too scary, that he'll have nightmares. But he is insistent, and the soft-hearted father relents.

In the story, an invisible dream goblin creeps into a boy's room. He knows that the goblin is there whenever he hears the telltale thump-thump-thump that he hears coming from his bedroom floor. The boy tells his parents but they do not believe him. In the end, a wizard comes and banishes the goblin.

Tommy's father tells the story with flourish, complete with funny voices and acted out scenes. Tommy, of course, enjoys it immensely and can't wait for the next night for another story.

When his father leaves and shuts the light switch, leaving him in darkness, Tommy drifts into sleep. He hears a thump-thump-thump and pulls the covers up over his head.