An eight-year-old girl sleeps alone, but every morning she says her bed feels “too small.” When her mother checks the security camera at 2 a.m., she breaks down in silent tears…

“MOM, MY BED FELT REALLY TIGHT…”

That morning, as I was making breakfast, Emily came out after brushing her teeth, wrapped her arms around my waist, and said sleepily:

—Mom… I didn’t sleep well last night.

I turned and smiled.

—Why not?

She frowned, thought for a moment, then said:

—My bed felt… really tight.

I laughed.

—Your bed is two meters wide and you sleep alone. How could it feel cramped? Did your stuffed animals take up all the space?

Emily shook her head.

—No, Mom. I left it clean.

I brushed her hair, assuming it was just a childish complaint.

I was wrong.