20 Reasons To Believe Bunk Bed Kids Cannot Be Forgotten

Bunk Beds For Kids Bunk beds are a great option for saving space. They are a great way to save floor space and encourage collaboration. They also foster a sense of community between siblings or friends sleeping together. The majority of standard bunks are made to be used in rooms with ceilings of 8 feet or more however there are some low bunk options as well. There is no age limit for when children are ready to sleep on the top bunk. However, many are between six and eight years old. They save space Bunk beds can be lifesaver for families who struggle with space. They allow parents to maximize the floor space and give kids more room to play. They also create a sense of adventure for siblings who share rooms. There are plenty of options when it comes time to pick a bunk bed for your children. From traditional wooden frames to sleek metallic frames, you can find a bunk bed for kids that matches your taste. They're also available in wide range of colors and finishes. There's even bunk beds with storage, which is ideal for storing toys and books. When purchasing a bunk bed pay attention to the safety features. Be sure that the ladder and stairs that lead to the top bunk are safe and free of tripping hazards. Make sure that the mattress is securely inserted into the frame. The gaps can lead to the mattress to become entangled. Moreover, you should teach your children the correct method of climbing up and down from the bed. In addition to being a lot of fun, bunks are an excellent way to save space in your child's bedroom. By using a bunk bed allows you to free up valuable floor space that can be used for other furniture, such as a dresser or a wardrobe. Bunks are also ideal for smaller spaces, allowing you to fit two beds in a small room without losing the floor space. Bunk beds are a fantastic option to decorate a child's bedroom or a guestroom for visiting relatives. They are stylish and have a functionality. The best part about bunks is that they're affordable which makes them an ideal option for families with several children. Bunks come in a vast variety of styles, ranging from twin-over-twin frames all up to elaborate themed designs. A bunk bed is a versatile sleep sanctuary that can transform any bedroom of a child into the ultimate place for playing and imagining. From playful themes to practical options bunk beds can be the perfect place for your kids' imaginations and an ideal place to store their most treasured possessions. They're great fun Bunk beds make a great addition to any bedroom for a child. They are not just spacious but also stylish. You can choose from a wide range of styles, colors, and designs to find the ideal bunk beds for your bedroom for your child. You can even choose bunk beds with storage space or even a desk attached. Before purchasing a bunk bed, make sure it's the correct size for your space. Take measurements of the room including the ceiling height. You'll want to choose the right bunk bed size enough for your kids but not too big, or it'll be awkward. Think about how read this article will be sharing the bed, and if you'd like it to have a large mattress or a trundle to sleep in for sleepovers. Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting a bunk bed is safety. Make sure that the ladder is sturdy and safe to climb, especially for younger children. It's also an excellent idea to buy a bunk bed with guard rails on both sides of the beds. If you plan to place a ladder along the sides of the bunk bed, think about adding padding or cushions to to ensure your child's safety. They can pretend to be princesses, pirates or knights in bunk beds. They also get to connect with one another by having fun and talking while they sleep. They can also use their bunk beds to create their own forts. Bunk beds make it simple for children to invite friends to stay for the night. They are also great for families with multiple children because they are a great way to save space and money. Bunk beds are an excellent way to teach your kids the importance of sharing and helping one another. They will learn to care for each one another and share their belongings. loft bunk beds will increase their confidence and help them build healthy, strong relationships with other people. It is also a good occasion to teach your children about proper manners and how to treat friends who are visiting their home. They're safe Bunk beds are a great way to make space in your children's bedrooms and make sleepovers more enjoyable. If they are not used properly bunk beds could be dangerous to your children. According to Nationwide Children's Hospital an average of 36,000 accidents involving bunk beds happen each year among kids aged 6 and under. The majority of these injuries are caused by falls from the top bunk, which can cause more severe injuries than falling from a standard or platform bed. Additionally, the structure of the bunk bed can create entrapment risks that could cause strangulation or suffocation. To prevent injuries, you must teach your children to use bunk beds safely and to avoid horseplay around or on the beds. It is essential to teach your children how to climb into and out of the upper bunk using the ladder, not other furniture that might fall and create a risk. It is crucial to keep the bunk beds clear from corded curtains, blinds and ceiling fans. They can cause injuries if children pull down. A carpet beneath the bunk beds can aid in anchoring the kids if they fall. Also, consider putting a guard rail on the bottom bunk so that your kids don't get out of bed in the middle of the night and injure themselves. You can also be sure that your bed meets all the safety requirements for your child by checking online. The majority of bunk beds come with safety standards that you can find online or ask about when you purchase your new mattress or bed frame. Also, make sure the ladders and stairs are made of solid and durable materials and fastened to the bed in a way that they cannot be pulled off and create a risk. It is an excellent idea for you to check whether your bed's bunk has any components that contain phthalates. The chemicals can be absorbed by the skin and cause serious health issues for children who are young. They're versatile There are many different types of bunk beds for children to choose from. Traditional bunks are the most well-known type, and typically consist of two beds that are stacked on top of each other. There are, however, L-shaped bunks which offer a different layout by stacking the beds at an angle. There are bunks with a trundle which provides an additional sleeping space for sleepovers. These are an excellent option for families with children that are close in age or those who want to add extra sleep space for guests. When looking for the perfect bunk bed for your child, search for a safe, sturdy and durable model that can last through the years. Bunk beds should have guard rails that are safe and constructed from solid materials. They should also be able to support regular twin mattresses, and have ladders that are easy to climb and securely attached to the frame. Additionally, they should fit tightly together and not have gaps or sags. You can also find bunk beds that have storage options, which will aid in keeping your child's room organized. Some bunks have built-in shelves and drawers, while others are able to be paired with other furniture, like dressers or desks. They are also available in a broad variety of styles and colors to fit any taste. Find an loft or bunk bed that will match your child's bedroom decor, and assist them in creating their ideal bedroom. If you are able to find the ideal bunk bed for your child's needs ensure you purchase high-quality mattresses that are the same size as the bunk. These mattresses will provide your child a relaxing and comfortable nights' sleep while ensuring their health. Bunks and lofts are great for shared bedrooms in apartments or holiday homes. They can maximize space and make a room appear larger.

If you're looking for an old-fashioned bunk bed or a chic loft bed with storage, Slumberland has the best range of furniture and mattresses. Our online ordering system allows you to have your new loft or bunk bed delivered free of cost within the delivery zones of your local. You can also choose no-contact delivery and have your purchase delivered to your nearest Slumberland store.

just thinking out loud to myself... out of all the sims i’ve made/played, i remember best:

- my first one which i don’t really like anymore because i realised the game gave me one of the default faces that appears on the game cover art lmao (the girl with black hair and pink highlights)

- the one i called Ubetter Save because i lost them like 3 times due to the game screwing up one way or another, but luckily i somehow managed to recreate their face pretty well each time. idk how now, but yeah

- cinda lilwitch: i made 3 sisters based on the little witch in sofia the first, but like, the youngest being a kid, the next being a teenager and the last being an adult, and cinda is the teenager who i got most fond of lol (i think she also has level 10 gardening now and is the highest rank (or almost highest rank) for spellcaster so HM i should send her to uni to do the electrical engineering (???? i’ve never played the uni part of this game yet haha) course so that she can make a servo

- i did this full-on mermaid family in sulani where the mum’s a mermaid, the dad’s a human, and their 4 kids are all mermaids lol and i gave them wacky but cool names? except i don’t remember the two oldest kids’ names anymore LOL but the youngest two are nezanreyi (which i totally made up lol (and i checked her adult face and she’s soooo pretty)) and ganbaatar. and this was before bunk beds were introduced so i was squishing the youngest two (both toddlers) into one room... now i could bunk them, and the other two could be aged up into teenagers. but playing teenagers is so disappointing because they already look like adults. not even the height mod helps very much when their face is basically identical to their adult face

- i quite like the two sims i’m currently playing with, twin sisters but i made them polar opposites. i made linnéa with all the cottagecore stuff (that’s what i do when i get a new pack) and then later i made alva who hates gardening and cooking and etc. and then they died, but i just shoved them back into the game, and then moved them out to san myshuno and i think they could date Ubetter Save (who i should rename to Yubetta LOL)

- my evil family!! (i nearly forgot them/remembered them when i was scrolling through my households.) basically i gave them all the evil/angry/mean traits so they spend their time being horrible to each other and getting pleased about it. i love it. (there are two girl kids, one boy teenager and their parents, and they live in a castle-ish creepy house)

- my famous writer sim who lives in a tiny house with their husband and child that they don’t care about. i don’t think i specifically gave them the trait ‘hates children’ but she has no relationship to their child or husband (her child doesn’t even sleep in the main house, but a little shed i built out the back with its own toddler potty etc) and i think that’s hilarious. i got her to the highest fame level, she makes tonnes of money, and basically the purpose of her was to hold huge parties at her house, invite everyone she knew over, and try to keep the party going for days (people being wasted in the garden etc) and it was hilarious because the house was TINY and i was fitting like 30+ sims in there and you couldn’t see anyone. that was good fun XD

- this one’s not so much the family that i’m fond of, but i made a gigantic treehouse house and gave the elderly mum and their (young) adult child the paranoid and erratic traits, and i think i made the elderly dad... something else, but yeah, building the treehouse was fun. and a bit annoying

My Friend Scott

It’s been 13 years since I’ve heard from my childhood friend Scott. Scott was my neighbor growing up and my partner in crime, until his father lost his job as an executive for a company that was going under in our hometown. Scott and his family lost everything and depended on their savings, which didn’t last long. Before we both knew it, they were moving to a more rural and cheaper city to live in, and starting over in a small apartment. I sent Scott off with some of my things and the promise to stay in touch, but I broke that promise.

Today, I was cleaning out the attic for my mom. Recently we lost my father to a virus going around. We were sorting through his things and donating much to charity, reminiscing on the man we dearly missed, when I found them.

Letters tucked neatly in a binder of Pokémon cards called to me. Mostly, I wanted to check out what finds I had curated in my younger days, until I realized the letters were from Scott.

I took the binder home with me, along with a bottle of my fathers favorite whiskey, made a fire and got to reading. As I fingered open my first letter, a photograph fell out. A tiny boy with olive skin and messy black curls leaned against a taller ginger boy with wire glasses and a smirk, who was pointing to something in the trees behind him. A treehouse our fathers had built together for us. I choked up a little and began to read.

May 14th, 2008.

Dear Wren,

We just moved into our new apartment, and I finally got my room set up. Thanks for giving me your old bunk bed, I took out the bottom bed and put my desk there, it makes my room much more spacious.

Luckily, I don’t have to go to school for the rest of the year! The school district said it was too late to start the semester. Early summer!

Our apartment is pretty small, and pretty dull. My parents had to sell my Xbox 360 for the security deposit, along with all of my games, but they said they’ll get me a new one when things are better.

So I don’t have a lot to do these days, I guess I could read but…you know how I feel about that.

That leaves wandering around outside which is what I’m about to do.

Smell ya later, Wren. Write back soon? I’m bored to tears.

Peace,

Scott

May 28th, 2008.

I just got your package man, you did not have to send your old game boy!

Mom has been on a cleaning rampage. She says the guys who lived here before us must have been a smoker which pisses her off but I kinda think it’s cool.

Mom and dad hate living here but I think it’s alright these days. Maybe it’s a bit of a dump but it’s cool to live somewhere where people had their whole lives stretch out and now it’s yours. I wonder what the people who live here after us will think of us. How are they gonna picture me? Will they know I’m a kid?

I’ve been taking your game boy to this pond behind the apartment. It’s quiet there, I crank up the volume and fill the empty space with the 8 bit tunes of Pokemon. I like to pretend a Magikarp is gonna leap out and splash me. When you come here to visit for my birthday, can you bring fishing poles? You and I can fish, and see if we can catch one!

I miss you man. I wish I could show you the pond now.

Write back soon?

Scott

June 5th, 2008.

Wren,

Your letter came quicker this time, it made my day a bit better. Today has been lame, it’s cold and rainy. Mom and dad were fighting about money again and I didn’t want to be inside, so I took an umbrella and went outside to watch the water, but something happened.

My hands are still shaking from what I saw.

It was like the water was blacker than usual, filling the landscape with dark shadows, dancing across the field surrounding the ichor like water. When I looked to the center of the pond, there were white dots swirling around and bubbling, emitting steam from the oil like water.

Then I heard it.

“Greetings.” I heard in a low voice from the pond and I fell on my ass.

I began to slide away rapidly, forcing myself to my feet and hurdling up the stairs to the apartment complex and busting into my small apartment. Dad could barely stop his insults that were flying at my mom at 60 miles an hour to notice I'd come into the space and dashed to my room.

The first thing I noticed in the room was that it gave me a perfect view of the pond I never seemed to notice before. I barged to my window and slammed the curtain shut.

I don’t know what to think of this all, man. Was it all a hallucination? Like maybe heat stroke? I’m just gonna go to bed after I send this to you. Please write back soon.

Scott

June 14th, 2008.

Wren,

You’re right, it’s probably all a dream. Still, I don’t feel comfortable going out to the pond. When I’m at the window, staring into the inky black water, I swear the ripples make it look like the pod is smiling back at me. It feels like it wants me to swim in it, but I have a long list of things I'd rather do than swim in that cesspool.

I’ll have you know I met a girl in the apartment! I know you’ll be so jealous when you read this! Her name is Meadow, and she is the coolest girl I’ve ever met! She said her brother was into trading cards, and gave me his old ones! There are some great cards in his set! I wonder why he was okay with her giving them away, makes me glad I have no siblings! Since you gave me your old Gameboy, I’ll put a couple good cards in the envelope for you.

Scott

June 25th, 2008.

Wren,

It’s been almost two weeks and no word from you man! Did you get my last letter? I hope you did, there are some cool cards in there! Anyway, in case you didn’t I met this girl Meadow, she gave me some old trading cards. Well, turns out her brother went missing 3 years ago. Crazy, right? No one knows where he went. He was hanging out by the pond one day, watching the water, and when Meadow went to get him for dinner he was gone. Vanished. No trace of the guy. Gives me the heebie jeebies thinking about it.

How’re you man? How’s your summer? I wish I could get a letter from you. It feels like I'm drifting off into nothingness with Meadow and that creepy pond. I’ve never felt stuff like this before. Please write back?

Scott

August 27th, 2008.

I get it man, I’m not cool enough for you anymore now that I’m not around, right? You could’ve said something. Meadow ditched me too, some loser from the trailer park across the street is her new best buddy and I’m yesterday's news.

I started drinking the murky pond water, it came to me in a dream and told me the waters of it’s unlife would pour through my soul and purify it. It all makes sense now. You, Meadow, mom and dad are all too weak to withstand the waters of life pooling in the pond. I’m going to have to drown them in it to make them see, and when I’m done, I'll drown you in it’s purifying water.

December 18th, 2008.

Mr.Hadley,

My name is Theresa, we’ve never met but I just moved into this apartment and found correspondence between your son and the previous tenant's child. I looked up your address and found it would be kinder to write to you rather than your son. Along with this letter, I’m sending your son’s gameboy and these trading cards. Your son might want them to remember his friend.

Unfortunately, the previous tenants have moved on following the death of young Scott.

You see, the pond behind our apartment complex had a brain eating amoeba in it, that Scott contracted after swimming in the pond. The landlord informed me of this when I moved in, as they have to disclose this kind of thing to new residents when signing a lease.

Tragically, Scott’s brain deteriorated and he became paranoid that the pond was speaking to him apparently, leading to him drowning a fellow resident's child.

Following this, he was arrested and hospitalized, but it was too late. Scott passed on sometime in September.

You might want to leave out some details until your son is older, it seems like they’re just boys.

I’ll pray for your family, and you’ll be glad to know the pond has been filled in.

With thoughts and prayers,

Theresa.

I snapped back to reality, and realized I had finished that whiskey my father loved so much. I can see why the man was always nipping at it now. Rereading the letters I figured I must have stopped replying sometime in June, or Scott didn’t have the wherewithal to respond to letters I had sent. I have no idea which is the truth.

After a surprisingly short internet search, I found an article from 2008 validating what the stranger had said in her letter. For one reason or another, my father had taken all of my letters, and I’d never noticed. He’d hidden all of this away from me but obviously wanted me to find out the truth eventually. Part of me is glad, but mostly I wish I’d never learned what became of my friend scott.

10 Easy Ways To Figure The Kids Treehouse Bunk Bed You're Looking For

Turn Your Child's Room Into a Playhouse With a Kids Treehouse Bunk Bed Make your child's bedroom an exciting play area with this bunk bed for kids. This sturdy twin bed is a great way to save space while creating a comfortable and fun environment. This model is an excellent illustration of a bunk bed that meets safety standards. However the angled ladders on this model as well as the jutting steps add a layer of protection for your children. Take a look at other kids bunk bed ideas to create an extra-safe bedroom for your little ones. Size A treehouse bunk bed designed for kids is a fun and unique alternative to standard bunk beds. The playhouse-style design can transform your child's room into an imaginative forest hideout where they can imagine and invent, sleep and play. It also helps children understand the natural environment through encouraging their imagination. These bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that is best suited to your space. They also have an unique design that can complement any decor style. Some even have an incline to make it easy for children to climb up and down. Some even have a tent or curtains on top to add extra charm and create a comfortable sleeping area for kids and their mates. The Belton twin over twin treehouse bunk bed is an excellent option for any child's bedroom. The theme of the house is an elegant Champagne finish and a covered in tasseled fabric that looks like linen. It's a magical getaway. The bunk is designed to accommodate standard twin mattresses and is constructed with security in mind. The bunk is independently tested to ensure it is in compliance with the standards set forth by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM. Make this bed inspired by a treehouse with stairs and railings for an exciting twist on the classic twin over full bunk. This bed is ideal for kids who like to stay at home. It can be easily transformed into two separate twin beds when your child is no longer using it. Its sturdy wood construction is made of FSC-certified pine that is 100 percent pure The stairwell is equipped with railings to guard your children as they climb. Bunk beds are an excellent option for rooms for children because they provide plenty of storage while adding an element of entertainment to their space. However, a lot of bunk beds require extra space for the staircase as well as other features. Some require separate spaces for the slide, which could be a problem if the children's bedroom is small in terms of square area. This twin over full over queen bunk bed is a great alternative for those who are looking for an easy-to-build treehouse. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for small spaces and can be converted to two beds when your children grow out of it. This bunk bed has a slat-roll base that eliminates the need for mattress box springs. Safety A treehouse bed for kids will transform their bedroom into a stimulating space that encourages imagination and spark creativity. It will also help maximize the space in your child's bedroom and save space for other furniture items such as an office desk or dresser. The bunk bed is available in a variety of fun designs that will suit any style of kids room, ranging from modern or rustic. It's perfect for bedrooms that are shared, making it easy to accommodate multiple children. This fun bunk was created with safety and durability as a priority. It features an inbuilt ladder and solid guard rails. It's constructed of top-quality, 100 percent FSC certified pine wood with a rustic finish that complements any style of decor. The ladder can be placed on either side of the bed, so it's easy for children to climb up and down. It is also possible to separate it into two separate beds as your child grows. The Belton house-themed twin over twin bunk bed is an excellent choice for kids who want a playful, treehouse-inspired design for their bedroom. It is available in white, and has a built-in staircase and sturdy guardrails that make it a safe option for children of any age. It's a great choice for siblings who share the same room or for friends who have sleepovers. This bunk is ASTM-certified and complies with CPSC standards which means you can be assured that your child is sleeping in a safe and secure space.

To ensure the security of your children, ensure that you regularly check your treehouse bunk bed for loose or broken parts. Be sure to keep the area free of any toys or other dangers and teach your child how to use the ladder. Also, be sure to keep the bed area clean and free of clutter to avoid accidents. It's a good idea to instruct your child not to hang anything on their bed or a ladders as this could cause danger. A bunk bed in a treehouse can be the ideal solution for your child's room regardless of whether you wish to decorate it in a fun and imaginative way or just give them more space. With its unique design and space-saving functionality, it's the ideal way to create a fun and comfortable space for your child to sleep and play. Durability A treehouse bunk bed is an excellent way to stimulate your child's imagination. These unique beds let children go on adventures that they'll keep for many years to come. Children love using their imagination to bring their favorite stories to life. These beds are not only fun, but also provide safety. These bunk beds are safer than standard bunks as they have extra-safe guardrails to ensure that your child is safe from falling off the top bunk. The beds are Fair Trade Certified, meaning they are in compliance with the strict standards of environmental and social protection. A loft bed in a treehouse has the benefit of being simple to decorate. Paint the neutral frame to match your decor or even add curtains to give it an authentic appearance. You can also add an extra trundle underneath the bunk on the bottom to create more sleeping space. This bunk bed can easily be converted into two separate twins to accommodate sleepovers. The beauty of a loft bed for a treehouse is that you can design it to suit your children's needs and style. You can choose from a variety of colours shapes, styles and shapes to create a unique bunk bed that will delight your children. Many lofts for treehouses have ladders that allow easy access to the upper levels. They are also designed to ensure safety. They are built with a slat roll foundation, and do not require the use of a box spring. They are also GREENGUARD Certified Gold for low chemical emissions, and kiln-dried to provide extra durability. A treehouse bunk bed will look great in any bedroom. It will transform your child's bedroom into a mystical place where they can live out their most vivid fantasies. It can also give them an opportunity to experience independence and adventure not possible in a controlled indoor environment. A bunk bed treehouse is a great way to reconnect children with nature, its animals, and plants, and its cycles. If you're looking for a sturdy and stylish bunk bed for your children look into the Maty by Bols treehouse loft. It is constructed from solid wood and has an appealing house design. A ladder allows you to climb to the top. It also has a slat-roll foundation that eliminates the requirement for a box spring and is kiln dried for added durability and strength. It is available in a variety of child-safe finishes and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemicals emissions. Style The treehouse bunk beds are a great way to transform a kid's room into a home fort. This twin-over-twin bed comes with an adorable cottage-style silhouette and front panels with cut-out windows. It also features a pitched roof detail and a built-in ladder. The stylish bunk can hold two twin mattresses on a slat roll base. It is also versatile enough to accommodate a trundle of a full size underneath the bottom bunk for sleepovers. This fun bunk was designed with safety and durability in mind. Its rustic design is fun and matches any decor. The sturdy guardrails will keep your children secure while they sleep or playing. The ladder on the bunk is designed with safety in mind and can be locked at the highest position. This bed is an ideal choice for siblings sharing bedrooms or who enjoy sleepovers. It is easy to clean and can be transformed to a single bed when your children are ready. A treehouse bunk can inspire your child's imagination and promote an interest in adventure. It can also help your children feel connected to nature, which is essential for their development and health. This is especially true for children older than a certain age who spend more time in the indoors. Outdoor play can be an excellent escape from the stress of everyday life and lets them reconnect with nature, animals, and natural cycles of life. If you're considering buying a treehouse bunk bed for your children It's important to think about their safety and your budget. A bunk bed that is too high can cause injuries if children fall off it. Furthermore, it can cost a lot to repair or replace the damaged bunk bed in a treehouse. Therefore, it's best to buy a bunk that is low bed. This bunk bed allows your child to play out their fantasies to the max while sleeping soundly in the night. The low, cottage style structure is ideal for children who might have trouble climbing up and down the stairs. Decorate the bunk with bedding that is themed to make it a jungle hideaway, beach hut, or princess tower. This is sure to be a big success with kids as well as adults.

Bunk Bed Kids: What No One Is Talking About

Are Kids Ready For Bunk Beds? Bunk beds are a great choice for rooms with kids which are cramped with space. They can be used to study or playroom during the daytime. You'll have to evaluate your child's maturity and dexterity when they are ready to move into bunk beds. It is also important to consider their sleeping habits. Age of Transition to the Top Bunk There isn't a universal answer to this question because the age at which children are ready to sleep in bunk beds can differ significantly. However, most experts recommend that children don't sleep on the top bunk until they're at least six years old. Children younger than 6 years old age aren't likely to have the dexterity or maturity to safely navigate the ladder. They may also have difficulty understanding and complying with safety regulations, such as not jumping off the top bed or stepping onto the guardrails. It's also important to take into consideration how rambunctious your child is in determining if they're ready for bunk beds. Children who tend to be disruptive or do not follow the rules shouldn't be using bunk beds since they could cause serious injuries. Also, children who are at risk of falling out of bed or are very tall may not be able to safely use the top bunk even if they are six years older. As kids get older, they might outgrow their bunk beds. In this situation, it's a good idea to move them to a conventional bed so that they can sleep more comfortably and with more space. It could be as easy as switching to twin-sized beds, or as complex as acquiring a fun treehouse bunk design like the Mathy by Bols bunk bed that can transform into a full-size bed. When you are making this transition, it's best to begin with the lowest bunk and work your way up. By doing this, you will be sure that your child is mentally and physically ready for the transition. This will prevent them from getting discouraged if they aren't able to immediately be able to move to the top bunk. It's also an excellent idea for parents to teach their children the importance of adhering to safety rules, regardless of where they sleep. This includes teaching youngsters not to leap off the bunk, not to hang items from the rails, and to always use the ladder correctly.

Safety Considerations Bunk beds can be a fantastic solution for kids however, you must be aware of the safety dangers. By knowing the dangers, adhering to the instructions for assembly provided by the manufacturer and implementing other security measures to ensure that your kids have a blast in bunk beds fun without danger. The ladder is a serious safety concern, as it can be used to climb up and down from the top bunk. Unsupervised, children may use the ladder to play with which could lead to negative consequences. Ladders that are improperly secured can be thrown off the side of the bunk bed which could cause children to be pinned under, result in fatal head injuries. Children may also fall off the ladder and lose their balance while attempting to climb, leading to falling. To decrease the risk of accidents, make sure you teach your children to only use the ladder to go up and down, not to play. A night light or another kind of lighting near the ladder is an excellent idea. This will allow children to navigate their way to the top and bottom in the dark, and will also help prevent them from tripping or falling over toys or furniture in the room. Safety considerations also include making sure the mattress fits into the frame of the bunk bed in a proper way, ensuring that the bed is placed away from blinds, windows ceiling fans, cords and blinds, and ensuring there aren't any sharp edges on the ladder or the bunks. It is also crucial to prohibit rough play and horseplay on the bunks as it can cause structural damage and result in injuries. Before letting your children get into their bunks, give them an inspection thoroughly to make sure there aren't any loose screws, weak points or other danger areas. Check to ensure that there aren't any gaps in the safety railings, headboards, or ladders where children could be able to get their head or limbs trapped. These gaps should be no wider than 3.5 inches. In accordance with safety standards, you should ensure that the guardrails on either side of the top bunk are 5 inches or more above the mattress. How to Choose the Right Bunk Bed There are many options for bunk beds that can create a social and fun environment in children's rooms. With functional bunk beds and the input of your children, you can find the perfect bunk bed layout that maximizes space while accommodating a variety of sleep preferences and needs. Begin by looking at the various materials and finishes to determine which one is the best fit for the design of your child's bedroom. Think about the style of the footboards and headboards aswell the type of slats you prefer or solid panels or bent bed ends. Pick a hue that is in harmony with the interior of your home and will stand up to changes and time. Then, consider if you want the bunk beds with a ladder, an angled ladder, or staircase. visit the following page of these options offers unique safety and convenience benefits. Ladders, especially angled ones, can make use of less floor space however, they are difficult for kids to climb, while staircases require more assembly time and can be costly. Standard bunk beds comprise of two perpendicular twin beds placed on top of each other with an elevator or ladder for access to the top. Consider a loft bed that has storage space underneath or a desk. These beds can also accommodate a full mattress on the bottom and a twin on the top, offering flexibility in the dozing options for children' shared bedrooms or holiday homes. It's time to shop for the bunk bed that's the best fit for your family. Check out functional bunk beds at furniture stores, home improvement centers and online retailers to find a bunk bed that meets your kids' specific needs. When you are choosing a bunk bed, pay special focus on the material of the frame, as it plays a crucial role in your kids' safety and comfort. Avoid cheap, inferior materials that may quickly fall apart or even break. Also, choose solid woods instead of particle boards made of smaller wood flakes glued together, as they are more durable and offer more stability. Getting Started Most children will eventually be enthralled by the idea of bunk beds. They are the perfect solution to rivalry between siblings over who sleeps on the top bunk, and is a great option to accommodate more than one child in a tiny space. Bunks are also a fun and practical way to entertain your friends for sleepovers without having to purchase extra bedding. There are a few things you need to consider when selecting the right bunk beds for your family. Be sure that your children can move into and out of the top bunk comfortably and safely. This is especially crucial for children who are prone to sleepwalking or those who have difficulty avoiding falling off the sides of the bed. If they are unable do this, a ladder may be the ideal solution. Another crucial aspect to consider is the overall appearance and design of the bunk bed's overall design and style. You will want to ensure that it is a good fit with the interior of your home and that your kids enjoy it. Bunks can be found in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. They can be constructed from different materials like pine or MDF based on your personal preferences. If you're putting together your bunk bed on your own, it is an excellent idea to create an inventory of all the tools that you will require and make sure you have them all prior to beginning. This will prevent any frustrations such as discovering that you've forgotten a screw halfway through the work. You can make your bunk bed more appealing to your kids by being imaginative. There are many interesting accessories you can choose from. For example themed bed tents can transform the top bunk into a fort or castle. Your kids will love to play in the bunk all day and at night. ). You'll need to remind your children to put away their toys away after they finish playing. A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an excellent option, as it allows you to keep your kids' bedroom clean and tidy while still providing them with access to their most loved books and toys.

Fun and Functional: Innovative Features for Modern Bunk Beds

Bunk beds have come a long way from being mere space-saving solutions to becoming stylish and functional pieces of furniture in modern homes. Whether you’re furnishing a kid’s room, a guest room, or a vacation home, contemporary Alex Daisy offers an array of innovative features that combine fun with functionality. Let’s explore some of these exciting features that make modern bunk beds a must-have addition to any space.

1. Convertible Designs: One of the most innovative features of modern bunk beds is their ability to transform into different furniture configurations. Convertible bunk beds can easily convert into two separate twin beds, a loft bed with a study desk underneath, or even a daybed. This versatility allows for flexibility in usage, making them suitable for various stages of life and room layouts.

2. Built-in Storage: Space optimization is key, especially in smaller rooms. Many modern bunk beds come equipped with built-in storage solutions such as drawers, shelves, or cubbies. These integrated storage options provide convenient spaces to store clothes, toys, books, and other essentials, minimizing clutter and maximizing floor space.

3. Safety Features: Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to bunk beds or bunk beds with storage. Modern designs incorporate innovative safety features such as sturdy guardrails, slat kits for mattress support, and angled ladders for staircases with handrails for easy access to the top bunk. Additionally, some bunk beds feature rounded edges and non-toxic finishes, ensuring a safe and secure sleeping environment for children.

4. Playful Designs: Bunk beds are not just functional; they can also be fun! Modern bunk beds come in a variety of playful designs that cater to children’s imaginations. From castle-inspired forts to themed designs like spaceships or treehouses, these whimsical bunk beds can transform a bedroom into a magical play space, sparking creativity and adventure.

5. Integrated Lighting: Illumination is essential, especially for the top bunk. Many modern bunk beds feature integrated LED lighting options such as reading lights, nightlights, or ambient lighting underneath the top bunk. These built-in lighting solutions not only provide practical functionality but also add a touch of ambiance to the room.

6. Tech Integration: In today’s digital age, technology integration is becoming increasingly popular in furniture design. Modern bunk beds may include built-in USB charging ports, Bluetooth speakers, or even smart home compatibility. These tech-savvy features cater to the needs of tech-savvy individuals, offering convenience and connectivity within the bedroom environment.

7. Customization Options: Personalization is key when it comes to interior design. Many modern bunk bed manufacturers offer customization options, allowing customers to choose from a variety of finishes, colors, and configurations to suit their unique preferences and decor styles. Whether you prefer a sleek and minimalist design or a bold and colorful aesthetic, there’s a bunk bed customization option to match your vision.

8. Eco-Friendly Materials: With increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, eco-friendly furniture options are gaining popularity. Modern bunk beds may be constructed from sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood, bamboo, or recycled metal. These eco-conscious choices not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modern bunk beds by Alex daisy offer a perfect blend of fun and functionality with their innovative features and stylish designs. Whether you’re looking to maximize space, enhance safety, or add a playful touch to your home decor, there’s a bunk bed option to meet your needs. With convertible designs, built-in storage, safety features, playful designs, integrated lighting, tech integration, customization options, and eco-friendly materials, modern bunk beds are a versatile and practical choice for any modern home. Explore the possibilities and elevate your space with an Alex Daisy bunk bed that combines style, comfort, and functionality.

Also Read: Top Safety Tips For Choosing Kid’s Furniture

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Kid’s Bed

Originally published at https://alexdaisyy.blogspot.com on March 2, 2024.

Gen 1. Snow White #17 Monsters & Slumber Parties

When the first bill for the house came, Snow realized she needed a steady income source.

With the kids all finally out of the house during the day, Snow was excited to explore the area around the cottage. She decided she could plant vegetables and fruits, and have the kids take them to market. She couldn't afford to be seen by the Queen anywhere.

She also found a bird home but they didn't like her singing very much. She'd have to try again another day, as she needed to get back to make a treehouse so the children could fulfill their Childhood Aspirations.

She worked on the treehouse for hours.

"Hey kids! Welcome home. How was school today?"

😱 Florian was outside the home, but it looked like he was already leaving. He didn't see Snow.

(Come back later Florian, we can't interact with you for another week or so.)

Raphael: Hey guys, did you know the monster is still living under your beds?

Dwight: Mon--s-s-ster??

Doug: Aw, whatever Raphael. Stop scaring the kids. Mama Snow already put night lights next to every bed, and she sprayed the beds already.

Raphael: I'm serious! I saw it last night.

Joy: Maybe there's one under your bed, Raph.

"THE MONSTER IS STILL UNDER THE BED!! I'm getting Mama Snow!"

Bunk beds: @imfromsixam summer camp

Raphael: Hah! Tricked you!

Shylee: Mama Snow! The monster is back!

Hayden: "It's this one! Under Doug's bed!! Spray it!!"

Joy tried to befriend it, but it didn't work.

Snow: "Gosh... I've sprayed all of these beds so many times already. Why aren't the nightlights working?"

The kids wouldn't go to sleep all night. The entire room was scared.

Finally, Somna couldn't take it anymore. She needed sleep.

Somna: "Come on girls, let's go sleep outside. We'll have our very first slumber party"

The girls successfully throw a Gold level slumber party under the stars and actually got some sleep.

The boys, exhausted, could barely get out of bed in time for school the next day.

Main Back Next

Top 5 Inspiring Kids Bedroom Interior Design Ideas for 2023

The knowledge of interior designers in Bangalore may make all the difference when it comes to creating a wonderful and useful home for your children. Bangalore, noted for its contemporary yet culturally rich feel, has a wealth of house interior design alternatives. If you're looking for the top interior designers in Bangalore to redesign your child's bedroom, you've come to the correct spot. We'll look at the best 5 innovative kids' bedroom interior design ideas for 2023, with an emphasis on Bangalore interior designers and cost.

Enchanted Forest Wonderland

The "Enchanted Forest" theme is one of the most intriguing themes for children's bedrooms in 2023. Bangalore interior designers are adopting this concept, bringing the wonder of nature within. Consider rich green walls, treehouse-inspired bunk beds, and glittering fairy lights to create a colourful and imaginative environment for your child.

Minimalistic Elegance

Consider a minimalist approach for a more modern and polished appearance. Some of Bangalore's top interior designers are now campaigning for simple children's bedrooms. Clean lines, neutral colours, and adaptable furniture offer a calm, clutter-free atmosphere in which your kid can concentrate on creativity and learning.

Space Adventure Haven

With the rising interest in space exploration, a "Space Adventure" theme is an excellent option for children's bedrooms. To send your child to the furthest reaches of the universe, Bangalore interior designers are combining cosmic colours, galaxy-themed wallpaper, and spaceship-inspired beds.

Jungle Safari Retreat

A "Jungle Safari" theme will bring the outdoors into your child's room. With jungle-inspired decor, plush animal toys, and canopy beds that stimulate the sense of a safari tent, Bangalore interior designers may create an adventurous haven. This design promotes an appreciation for nature and adventure.

Interactive Learning Zones 

Interior designers in Bangalore will increasingly focus on constructing interactive learning zones for children's bedrooms in 2023. To nurture a love of learning from an early age, incorporate instructive wall art, built-in study tables, and bookshelves loaded with age-appropriate materials.

Do you want to know how much it will cost to alter your child's bedroom with one of these inspirational ideas? Interior designers in Bangalore charge different rates based on the intricacy of the project, the designer's reputation, and the materials utilised. Request quotations from many designers to discover one that fits your budget and stylistic choices.

With these top 5 innovative ideas, your child's room may be transformed into a haven for imagination, creativity, and learning. To begin, contact the top interior designers in Bangalore who can make your thoughts a reality while staying inside your budget. A design away from your child's ideal bedroom!

A child's view of a pleasurable nighttime routine can depend on various uncontrollable factors. While some children may like the adventure of a bunk bed, others may feel more comfortable in a toddler bed.

Children may find the following kid beds to be incredibly entertaining:

kids bunk bed

Tent beds

Castle beds

Car beds

Treehouse beds

15 Of The Most Popular Bunk Bed For Kids Bloggers You Need To Follow

Bunk Bed For Kids It's for two siblings or a group of children sharing a room, bunk beds are a big choice. Bunk beds aren't just cute, they must also be safe and sturdy for children. Assess your child's maturity dexterity, coordination, and dexterity to determine if they're ready to sleep in a bunk bed. It is crucial that they are aware of the safety guidelines, and use it as a place to sleep. Safety If properly controlled, bunk beds can be an excellent sleeping option for children. It is important to establish rules to keep your children safe in their bunk beds. These rules could include avoiding hanging items from bunk beds (such as belts, scarves or jump ropes) because they are strangulation hazards and ensuring that kids treat the bed solely as a place to sleep. Bunk beds are also dangerous, so kids must always use the ladder with care. When purchasing bunk beds, look for one that has been inspected by an independent laboratory and that meets or surpasses US safety standards. The guard rails should be positioned high enough on the top bunk to stop the child from falling off. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps that could cause a child's head and body to be entangled. It's a good idea purchase a bunk bed that has integrated or built-in shelving on the top bunk so that your children have a place to store things they'll require in the evening like drinks, books and clocks. There are also lights that clip on that easily attach to the guardrails of the top bunk so that your children can have a light source without needing to leave their the bed at night. It's best to keep youngsters in the bottom bunk, as they might not have the coordination needed to safely climb up the ladder to the top bunk. Older kids may be able sleep on the top bunk however it's a good idea to remind them regularly to be careful when using the ladder and to not play on or around the bed. If your children are using the top bunk, you must teach them to remove any potentially dangerous objects that are around the bed. Also ensure that the bunks are away from ceiling fans. Space Saving Bunk beds can expand a room's vertical space to the max, providing more floor area for kids to play or study. They're also a great choice for rooms with shared spaces that allow siblings to sleep together in comfort without sacrificing their personal space or the overall style of the room. It may be necessary to compromise when choosing the right bunk bed for your children. Consider a loft or low bunk bed that has one mattress on the floor and another above. This is ideal for children who aren't quite ready to climb up the top bunk. This allows younger kids to get in and out of bed however it doesn't hinder older children from experiencing the pleasure of sleeping on a higher platform. If you are considering a bunk bed, make sure that the ladder is sturdy and safe. Children can be rough with furniture, and the last thing you want is a ladder that's unstable or too short. Look for ladders with guardrails on the sides as well as an angled ladder for safety. Also, look for the step-up to be low to the ground so that even small children are able to reach it. If you have two children who fight over the top bunk, choose the layout that allows only one child to sleep there. This will avoid a fight. You can also pick the corner bunk, which is a combination of two beds that are elevated in a corner of the bedroom to keep everyone happy while still allowing room to study or play. You might consider a bunk bed that can be divided into two separate beds as your children grow. This Harriet Bee Cvyatko Kids Bunk Bed, for example, is a great option for families with a limited space, since it can accommodate twin- and full-sized mattresses in a T-shaped configuration. Take into consideration the color of your bunk beds and think about how they'll fit into your child's bedroom decor. Light colors, such as classic gray or creamy French white, are great for bunk beds due to their versatile. They can also withstand stains and scratches. Dark espresso and navy wood stains are also good options to add a bit of drama to your children's bunk beds. Convenience Bunk beds are a great alternative if you're looking to reduce space in your child's bedroom or in the event that you need to fit two children in a room with a little space. These beds are designed with a two-story layout that occupies less space than separate single mattresses, and allow for other furniture to be set in the same space. Bunk beds are a great option for both children and their parents. The vertical freedom that bunk beds offer can stimulate children's imaginations to transform their sleeping spaces into clubs, forts or even space crafts. Parents can easily observe their children while they are in their bed. Parents can reach their children's top bunk and offer assistance if needed. This is particularly helpful if there are any emergencies or nighttime sicknesses. The right age for a bunk bed is contingent on your child's maturity and physical development. Make sure your child is strong enough to climb the ladder or stairs leading to the top bunk and can get into and out of the bed on their own. It is also essential that they are aware of the safety rules for bunk beds and can follow them without needing your help. Another convenient feature of bunk beds is that they can transform into two separate beds for the ultimate flexibility in your child's bedrooms. This is ideal for when your children grow older and prefer their own bed. The bed below can be used as a guest bed or for the occasions when your children's friends are staying over. Max & Lily has a variety of stylish and safe bunk beds that you can pick from. Whether you're seeking a traditional twin-over-full bunk or a corner loft with stairs and drawers You can find the right design that will meet your children's requirements. Explore our selection to find the perfect bunk for your child. Our sturdy bunks are made with top-quality materials. They are ready to assemble. You can also employ our skilled installers to put them together them for you at an additional cost. Style Bunk beds are a great option for children sharing a room. A traditional bunk bed is comprised of two mattresses that are twin-sized and stacked on top of each other. This design is perfect for siblings who want to sleep together but prefer the privacy of their own individual beds. Many bunk beds will also offer the option of a trundle bed that can be tucked under the bottom twin mattress. This allows you to sleep three easily on the bunk bed, making it ideal for kids who have many friends to sleepovers. The majority of bunk beds for children are made of solid wood to provide an extremely sturdy and solid frame that is safe and durable. Some bunk beds are finished in a white that looks modern and fresh in any bedroom. Others could be made in classic colors such as natural wood stain. The best finish allows you to match the bunks in the rooms of your children with other furniture accessories, decor and accessories. This creates a cohesive look for their room that will last for a long time. Another important aspect of a bunk bed is the safety features that will be included. If you are buying a bunk bed, be sure it has rails that go over the top of the bed. This will prevent your children from falling asleep in the middle of the night. To ensure that the bed is a suitable choice for your family, also make sure it has passed a safety test conducted by a third party.

It is also possible to look into a ladder with built-in storage. This is an excellent way to save space. Many bunk beds have a staircase option instead of a ladder. This can make it easier for toddlers to use. The stairs can be hidden when not in use and some have drawers on the steps to store extra items. The themes in your bedroom of your kids' bunk beds could be important. Some kids bunk beds come in a variety of different themes, such as nautical or superheroes, that your children can pick from to create their own bedroom decor. There are plenty of loft bunk beds to incorporate your own theme-specific decor to a bunk bed, like wall art and bedding.

Could you provide us with a few sweet CC and Gregory fluff headcanons? (platonic ofc) <3

THIS IS THE CUTEST THING EVER, OMFG

So, my idea for how C.C. would be there in the first place isn't really fully formed bc I hadn't really thought about it, but that's ok! I'll just wing it and have fun!

Probably there bc Cassidy got tired of torturing William, but doesn't want other kids getting hurt, so he goes to make sure they're ok

I personally think that C.C. would be anywhere from 9-11, and since Gregory is canonically 10-12, they would be close in age

They accidentally met while Gregory was hiding from one of the animatronics

Gregory runs into a hidden room, probably a very closed off and/or secluded one thats very hard, near impossible, for adults to get into, and completely off the animatronics radar

It was probably made/found by some teenagers, and they tell stories about the room, and how haunted it is so that none of the kids go in the room or tell anyone about it, and they can keep their hangout room for when they have siblings, cousins, ect that have parties they find boring

Since it's rarely ever used by anyone but teenagers, that's the room where C.C. has decided to stay, since it's quiet and he doesn't like big crowds of people

Gregory sees the kid and asks if he's lost and needs help too

Completely shocked to find out that his new found friend has already passed, but wants to be friends either way

They pass hiding time by sharing interests and find out that they both like plushies and video games(of course, very different video games, but still, video games all the same)

C.C. sees Freddy and freaks out, but Gregory comforts and reassures his new friend and C.C. eventually becomes friends with Freddy as well

Freddy swears to protect both boys to the best of his ability, even if it means risking his sentient-animatronic life for them

When they get to the Daycare, C.C. finds he can't make physical contact with the generators, but he can distract Moon/MoonDrop while Gregory puts things back in order

They both get banned:(

Using the knowledge that C.C. can be seen but not hurt by animatronics, he distracts them while Gregory gets shit done. They get out of the Pizzaplex much faster than either one of them originally thought

These boys fill Freddy's stomach to the BRIM with plushies and toys of all kinds before they leave

C.C. finds out that Gregory is homeless and is NOT letting that slide. They all go back to the old Afton house, where they find Mike. Mike and C.C. go through a lot of emotional stuff, but they've got it worked out by dinner time, and Michael is also re-fathering them both now. Also, the boys get bunk-beds, and get to introduce each other to their favorite video games, books, foods, candy, and basically everything else

All in all, I think Gregory and C.C. would be best friends. Gregory would never let anyone bully C.C. and C.C. would protect Gregory from his dad, other kids, ect. They would also definitely find ways to cheer each other up.

They have a secret handshake and a friendship dance

Water balloon fights, pillow fights, and food fights all become a regular occurrence, once C.C. learns how to interact with physical objects

Mike gets them a trampoline because he can, and they have the best time on it

He also builds them a treehouse

Glamrock Freddy reads them bedtime stories

Michael teaches all three of them how to cook and bake, because he remembers that C.C. loved being able to help him

(For sake of the food headcanons, pretend that ghosts can eat:/)

They play Mario Kart and C.C. wipes the floor with Gregory

Michael beats them both at Super Smash Bros

Gregory is best at Pokémon though, no one ever beats him

Overall, 11/10 besties, would protect with my life

This fairytale bed allow your child to recreate adventures they have enjoyed while playing and exploring outside.  As your little one drifts off to sleep, they can dream about being in an enchanted forest, at the top of a magic beanstalk or high up in an elf tree. The possibilities for their vivid imaginations are endless.

This best-selling Treehouse Bed is handmade in Belgium by an eco-friendly team of designers and talented craftspeople with over 25 years of experience.  There is plenty of space underneath the bed, perfect for filling with cushions to relax on, a play den or extra storage.

The Treehouse Bed has 27 gorgeous colours to fall in love with, leaving you completely spoilt for choice!  All collours are also available as a bunk bed.

Find out more about the stunning range of treehouse beds at:- https://www.castlesforrascals.co.uk/single-treehouse-bed-mdf

You know what I want to see in sky fan art? Little... skykid nests. Places where kids took some sheets and sticks and found a niche. Everything’s messy and sleepover night is every night. So, two questions:

-which realm would you/your skykid live in

-what would it look like

Treehouses in sunny forest? Makeshift bunk beds in vault? Tents in forgotten ark? Houses in valley, unoccupied for so long, being used again? The possibilities are endless.

jaliceweek20 day 1: human/vampire

Title: Against A Wall (Part 1)

Prompt 1: Human/Vampire

Word Count: 3,851

Note: I’m going into hospital tomorrow, and I’ve run out of time to get this finished (so, so close but I need sleep). So I cut it in half in the most logical place. 

As long as the JaliceWeek Mods don’t have an issue, I’ll finish off Part 2 and upload the whole fic to the AO3 collection around Tuesday when I’m feeling human and have a decent Wifi connection.

Fifteen.

He crouches behind Dewey’s Bar, spitting blood onto the pavement, and trying to pretend that whatever is seeping into his jeans is just water, and not runoff from the reeking dumpster beside him.

It’s Tuesday night, and Tuesdays are always the worst. Tuesdays are his mom’s night shifts at the VA hospital. Tuesdays are pay-day. Tuesdays are the only day his father doesn’t pull his punches.

His left cheek and eye are swollen and split, like overripe fruit. He can’t see real well, and the taste of aluminium foil in the back of his mouth makes him suspect another fracture around his eye.  

But was it really a Tuesday night if cerebral fluid wasn’t leaking into his mouth?

He feels bad that his mother is going to walk in at five the next morning, exhausted, to find… well, to find Hettie and Flo asleep in Ava’s bed, as Ava studies and worries. To find Jasper’s bed empty, and Lydia’s too. To find the study door locked, no matter how long she knocks.

In fact, the only thing that Louise Whitlock won’t find when she gets home from work is the god-damned strength of will to leave her fucking husband.

Last time he said that to her face, she started to cry, and that made things worse.

It’s still early, which sucks. There are hours to go until it is safe to move, to drag himself to school, to shower in the locker rooms and get some food out of the vending machine and savour the fact that another Tuesday is behind him. Sheldon isn’t big enough for the other students and the teachers not to notice the bruises on his face, but it is small enough that everyone knows Jeremiah Whitlock, and no one is going to say anything to get him in trouble.  

He could go find Lydia, hide in the tree-house, tell someone who wasn’t family or a local. But he always ends up behind Dewey’s. When he was a kid, it hadn’t just been a bar; it had been been Dewey’s Bar and Grill, and his grandfather used to take him there for fried chicken and ice cream. Dewey had been his Grandpa Jed’s best friend, but even in those halcyon days it hadn’t exactly been family-friendly.

It had become a dive bar sometime around the time Jasper finished middle-school, but it didn’t matter - by then, Dewey and Grandpa were dead, and he was too busy trying to protect himself and his sisters to eat ice cream.

He spits blood again, and rests back against the brickwork. Nothing for it; Tuesdays were always hell.

—

He tries to sleep, amongst the noise of passersby, and remain unnoticed - Jasper’s learnt the hard way that his uncles still frequent Dewey’s, and they will march him straight back home for round two, no matter what he says. Even when he came up with the strength to tell them, about Lydia and Jerry and Tuesday nights, his uncles just tell him to shut up, man up, and maybe Jerry wouldn’t have to whoop his ass.

He thinks of Lydia and hopes she’s somewhere warm and clean tonight. Lydia’s smart enough to stay away on Tuesday nights. Home is never Lydia’s first port of call any night of the week, but never, ever on Tuesdays.

He remembers the last Tuesday night she was home, two summers ago, when Lydia stormed upstairs, a twelve-year-old hurricane with fire in her eyes, and called their father a coward for beating the shit out of Jasper.

Jeremiah Whitlock hadn’t liked being called a coward. Not at all.

Now she is transient, a ghost sister who vanishes at day break; one who bunks down on couches and in treehouses before coming back to her own bed. Their mom and Ava worry about where Lydia gets her money, cigar-sized rolls of dollar bills that she keeps in a tampon box, but he knows.

He knows that his sharp and pointy little sister never let anything stop her, least of all hard work, and that a lot of people in town know that Jerry Whitlock has a lot of anger and a lot of disappointment that he tries to drown in cheap beer and cheaper whiskey. It just makes him angrier. If the only thing they can do is give Lydia Whitlock some work, well, that kid’ll cut the grass, paint the garage, and walk the dog for a few bucks and a drink from a spigot.

It’s easy to say that Lydia is the best of them, making it clear that she doesn’t need their shitty father or their tired mother, but they are all strong in different ways. Ava, who smiles and simpers at their father, waiting for that day when she can buckle Hettie and Flo into her car and take them with her to college in Houston with a middle finger raised in the air. Flo stays quiet, stays alert, darting and hiding when the moment comes, but whose slight of hand belongs to a survivalist magician. And sweet little Hettie, who never lived on the ranch and knew their parents when they were happy, is sunshine and laughter and innocence. The one that reminds them why they stick together.

He’s the boy, so his role is obvious and unquestioned: he takes the punches and slaps and kicks that were meant for their mom, for Lydia, for Flo. He mutters things under his breath so that Jerry doesn’t hear what his sisters are saying, forgets that Hettie is sniffling or that Lydia hasn’t been home in ten days or that their mother has burnt dinner.

He knows his place.

—-

If you asked anyone with the surname ‘Whitlock’, they’d tell you that the family was cursed.

Had been since the Civil War; the youngest son had run off and joined up. Tried to desert two months in, crying for his momma, and ran afoul of someone - or something. He was dead a month later, but no one was exactly sure if he’d been executed for desertion, or if he’d just got in the way of a Yankee bullet. Either way, his last letter was rambling and terrified of something he never named, and his cowardice was rewarded with his bloodline’s constant suffering.

Within the Whitlock family lore, the curse was held accountable for numerous failings - from great-great grandmother Edith running off with one of the Wilkerson boys, to little Brian dropping dead as a doornail one summer day after seven years of perfect health. It was the Whitlock Curse to blame the day the bank took the ranch away from Jasper’s own father.      

It was the curse that had four and a half strapping brothers (Uncle Wyatt only counted as half since he went to the war in the Middle East and got himself blown up before he was even old enough to drink, and left behind a high school sweetheart with a bouncing baby girl they all called ‘Puddin’) father fifteen girls, and only one lousy boy.

Make no mistake about it, Jasper was a lousy heir to the Whitlock name. All three of his uncles reminded him of this every holiday season. Whitlock men were supposed to live and breathe the ranch, were supposed to be football players and champions. They were meant to knock up the head cheerleader and serve eight years in the army, like their brothers, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers before them.

Not snivelling little momma’s boys, who cried themselves to sleep when Sirius Black died, and could charm the birds from the trees. Not boys who helped their sisters catch rabbits, and keep them as secret pets, or name the house cat Socrates. Not boys who sat up all night when their horse had colic, and sit in the stable with her, begging and praying for her to be okay.

He tried, goddamnit. So hard. He was the best shot in the family (something that Uncle Bo had nearly hit him over, that one Thanksgiving. But everyone knew that Bo had the worst temper in the family.) Before things went to shit, he’d been a good student. He’d been able to convince the animals on the ranch to do anything. He was popular, without having any particular friends or putting much effort into it. He took care of his sisters.

But none of it was ever good enough.

Nothing ever was.

—

It’s Roy Lester that chases him off, before six the next morning. Roy runs the grocer next to Dewey’s, and went to school with his father and uncles - still had beers with them ever so often. The way he threatened Jasper and chased him off home whenever he caught him in the alley made Jasper think that they talked about him, and none of it flattering.

So he has to slink home because he stinks and he’s starving. The security at school won’t let anyone in before seven; he’s tried before; it’s not like he has much choice.

In a town like Sheldon, everyone knew everyone. You started kindergarten with maybe twenty other five year olds - most you probably already knew - and spent the next thirteen years with those same kids. You watched Maude Montgomery transform from the aesthetic-equivalent of Danny Devito to Jennifer Lawrence in a single summer, thanks to a late brush with puberty; you were right there when Casey Atkinson was put in a wheelchair and spent seventh grade learning to walk again. You knew that Ariel Turner was diabetic, Marley Harris was asthmatic, and you’d seen thirteen years of peanut-free lunches and birthday parties because Joey Thompson was highly allergic.

The joy of small towns.

Everyone knew that Jerry Whitlock hit his kids and his wife, but no one talked about it - not to their faces, at least. The adults tended to march Jasper home, to face his father’s wrath. The kids tended to get uncomfortable, and look through him. The few people who tried to reach out were from out of town, and were usually passing through - the odd teacher, a new neighbour, a concerned face on the bus.

Better to go home until school opened up.

Louise is in the kitchen, her face pinched and pale, clutching a cup of coffee. She looks hopeful when he walks in, but seems to crumple in on herself when she sees his bloody, swollen face. She looks old as she puts down her mug, and moves to pull him into a hug. He pretends not to notice her shuddering, as she cries onto his shoulder, before pulling away.

“I’ll make breakfast,” she manages, sniffling. “Okay? You must be hungry.”

He grunts and nods, as he heads upstairs. As if scrambled eggs and burnt toast can fix another Tuesday night.

But Wednesdays are good - the longest possible time until another Tuesday night.

He just has to keep telling himself that.

—

Seventeen.

Another Tuesday behind Dewey’s, but this time he’s puking up the few mouthfuls of food he managed before his father hauled him out the back - only because it was his mom’s week off and they were having a big family dinner. Louise resented those mid-week dinners; after a long day at work, having to make dinner for twenty-three people, and somehow find enough plates and chairs was the last thing she wanted to do. It was the only time Lydia would cross their father’s sight line, skinny and defiant.

If it had been a normal dinner, Jerry wouldn’t have dragged him out of the house. He would have beat him in the kitchen, yelling over Hettie’s sobs and Flo’s screams, and Louise’s pleading. He’s had a serving platter smashed over his head before, as well as a beer bottle, and a ceramic pitcher - one that had been made by Grandma Lillian, and Louise had sobbed over those broken shards.

His head is spinning, and he can’t remember exactly what he said to incite his father’s rage, though he remembers Uncle Bo’s jeers when he tried to stand up. The previous week’s wounds have reopened, and are bleeding onto his last decent t shirt. There’s vomit and alley-juice all over his jeans, and he wonders if he should drag himself to the hospital because his world is still spinning.

He wonders what will happen if he dies tonight; if Roy Lester finds him here in the morning, cold and dead. Most of the cops in town are from old families, and they’ve taken Lydia and Jasper back home enough times to know what goes on. It’s easier to picture the cover-up, that they’ll blame him and a make-believe schoolyard fight. Just a tragic accident.

Maybe then someone will help Lydia, help all of his sisters. Maybe it’ll be the thing that makes his mom leave.

He falls asleep facedown in the alley, and wants to cry when he wakes up the next morning to the bellow of school kids heading to the bus stop.

He was so goddamned close to it all being over.

So close.

—

“Do you need some help?”

It’s another Tuesday night, one that has come with busted ribs and possibly a dislocated shoulder. He missed lunch because of an English project, and his father had been drinking early, so he hasn’t eaten since breakfast. It’s making him feel sick, and wondering if anyone will notice if he sneaks in the back door of Dewey’s and grab some food.

And then someone is there and talking to him.

Her voice is high and sweet, and he expects a high school girl, maybe a sorority sister.

She is neither.

She’s only as tall as Flo, with uneven black hair curling around her cheeks. She’s one of the prettiest girls he has ever seen, with huge amber-coloured eyes that remind him of Hettie’s dolls and Lydia’s manga. She’s wearing a ragged button-up over a ruffled mini-skirt and leggings, with boots that look a size too big, a heavy man’s watch that hangs from her tiny wrist, and an ancient looking cadet’s cap - the entire effect makes him think of Oliver Twist as a female circus performer.

She walks over to him, and crouches in front of him, her head cocked to the side like a bird’s. He can only stare; other than the dark smudges under her eyes that speak of many sleepless nights, she is beautiful.

“Are you okay?” she asks, looking worried.

“Yeah,” he croaks, and winches as he jars his ribs. He doubles over, and cries out. She reaches out towards him but backs off just as suddenly.

“You’re hurt,” she says, looking bewildered and frightened. “Where?”

“I-It’s okay,” he manages, trying to reclaim his dignity in front of the prettiest girl. “I’ll be fine.”

The girl huffs. “Ugh, boys,” she mutters. “Hold on a second.” She gets up and slips out of the alley before he can beg her not to get help. In reality, going to the hospital is the last thing he should do - they can’t afford the bill, and  they’ll call home and… no. Just no.

His head is spinning, so he finds it hard to tell how much time has passed, but eventually she returns. She’s clutching two bags, and marches right up to him and crouches back down.

“This will help,” she says, holding out painkillers and a bottle of water. He fumbles with the lids of both, but eventually swallows the pillows down. She watches him carefully. “Don’t drink too fast,” she advises. “Now, I can put your shoulder back in now, or we can wait. It’s up to you.”

He blinks at her slowly. “Now,” he decides.

“Okay,” she looks nervous, but moves forward. It’s all blurry in his mind, but there is something cold, then hot, angry pain, and then he’s blinking up at her again. “Sorry. But trust me, the worst is over now. At least I didn’t break it worse. Hungry?”

He blinks as she reaches for the other bag - a bag of Skittles, a packaged sandwich, two oranges, and a bag of potato chips. He’s not sure if he has a concussion or it’s an odd selection, but he’s also hungry enough that he doesn’t care.

“I nearly had to call Bella, to ask what to get - Edward never let me buy her food after the chicken incident - which was entirely Emmett’s fault - but I think I figured it out okay,” the girl jabbers, taking a seat beside him, and smiles at him. “Better no one knows where I am, anyway.”

“I… thanks,” he croaked, as he reached for the sandwich. She beams at him again, and then frowns.

“Eat, then we’ll finish patching you up. I’ve come too far to watch you die in this disgusting place,” she stretches her legs out in front of her.

The sandwich is dry, but he wolfs it down - an orange too, before he takes a breath - that hurts - and takes another look at the tiny girl beside him.

“Who are you?” he finally asks, and she looks up from her watch.

“Oh! I’m Alice,” she says. “Sorry, I forgot you didn’t know. Do you want your ribs taped now, or are you going to open those?” She points to the Skittles.

“Um, I…” he looks at the bag of candy. “Do you want some?” This feels like a fever dream; maybe he’s passed out and this is just what his banged-up brain has provided him with.

“No,” she shakes her head, and the cadet’s cap tilts a little on her head. “I can’t. They just looked nice. Happy.”

“Happy,” he echoes, looking at the red package.

“I hear that sometimes little things can help,” Alice says. “Come on, cowboy, take that shirt off and let me see those ribs.”

His side is mottled black and blue and purple, and moving in basically any direction is a new adventure in pain. Alice gasps at the sight, and then coos at him in a way that is oddly comforting as her fingers trace his ribs - the coldness of her fingers is actually wonderful against the pain. Then comes the painful stage - as she, not entirely gently enough, begins layering tape over the pain, his head is spinning.

“All done,” Alice says, and her voice is soft, and when he slumps against her shoulder, she doesn’t move away. She smells like old fashioned things, like roses and linen. It reminds him of the old family homestead. He finds his eyes closing, and his side aches in time with his heart, and then Alice’s gentle fingers are running through his hair.

“Sleep, Jasper,” she murmurs, “I’ll keep watch.”

He’s asleep before he realises he never told her his name.

—

She’s gone when he wakes up, and the Skittles are in his pocket - along with the painkillers. Happy.

It’s Wednesday morning, and it’s not exactly ‘happy’ he’s feeling, but he’s got candy in his pocket and time to go home for a shower and more food, so Alice was right - the little things do help.

—

She never turns up two Tuesdays in a row, but he does see her again. She’s always more prepared than the first time, with a bag that always seems to contain exactly what they need - in his less lucid states, he is reminded of Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag as she produces snacks and first aid kits, and even clothing.

Her attempts at first aid are, at best, rough and she accidentally breaks two of his fingers and nearly ends up in tears when he yells in pain, and hugs him so tight, weeping into his neck, that he ends up trying to comfort her.

Sometimes he sleeps. She’s so thin and tiny that her shoulder isn’t a good pillow, and he feels like a shit man, letting such a tiny girl keep watch behind a bar. It wouldn’t take much to break her, and he can’t defend anyone in this state.

But some Tuesdays, he falls asleep anyway, breathing in that scent of fresh roses and linen, and listening to her chatter away about people he doesn’t know, about places he’s never visited, about books he’s never read.

Alice sounds like she’s living a really nice life. One week, she quizzes him on his Spanish before his examine the next day, and her accent is flawless. When her phone buzzes and buzzes and buzzes, and she ignores it, she usually swears - he doesn’t know in what language, one of the Eastern Asian ones he thinks - but it’s definitely a swear.

He wishes he could see her, talk to her, out in the real world and prove to her that he’s not just a beat-up kid. But she’s always gone on Wednesday mornings, and he doesn’t even know how to contact her anyway.

All in all, he met Alice in the reeking alley behind Dewey’s with a concussion, broken ribs, and a dislocated shoulder, and now she’s the best friend he’s ever had in the world.

He’s getting closer to that ‘happy’ concept that she mentioned the first time they met.

—

The last time he sees her, he’s bleeding and he’s pretty sure his eye socket is fractured. He’s pissed with himself because he wasn’t fast enough, smart enough, to stop his father from going after Flo. So he’d thrown a punch at his old man  for the first time because Flo is his baby sister and all haunted eyes and he’ll never forget the sounds of her wailing after the belt struck her, but hitting the bastard back just fuelled him and … fuck.

Then Alice is there, in jeans with stars on the knees and a billowy purple top that is just opaque enough to obscure the skin underneath. She looks angry and frustrated, and doesn’t just sit next to him and open her bag like she usually does.

“It’s a stupid fucking decision you’re about to make,” she stamps her foot, “and I am so mad at you right now, but Carlisle and Edward have made me promise not to interfere. Carlisle says that everything I’m doing now is enough. And I’m already in enough trouble, honestly.”

He can taste foil again - definitely a fractured eye socket.

“What?” he manages, snappish and tired. He doesn’t need this. He wants sweet Alice, who helps him patch himself back together, and gets him food, and talks him to sleep. The one who makes him laugh, even when it hurts, and seems to be light-years ahead of him but that’s okay because she’s always so happy about whatever she’s telling him.

“I’m going to say this once,” she enunciates carefully, still glaring. “I will be here every Tuesday. Don’t make a dumb decision. There is always another choice.”

“You’re making less sense than normal,” he retorts. “Either help me, or go away - I’m not in the mood.”

“Happy freakin’ birthday,” she snaps, unbuckling her giant watch, and throws it at him before she storms back the way she came, leaving him behind.

I recently read The Camp Half-Blood Confidential for the first time and while most of it made me cringe, there was one story in particular that really made me cringe: Space Could Be An Issue.

For those of you who haven’t read it, the premise of Space Could Be An Issue is this: Annabeth is in charge of designing and building the cabins for the children of minor gods/goddesses but it appears that there’s no space for all of them!

What is an architect to do?

Annabeth suggests treehouses or houseboats and both are shot down by Chiron, who says the nature spirits would never allow it. Good thing that there’s no spirit of grass or open field, otherwise they’d never be able to build anywhere, right? Annabeth suggests caves; because why not just dump all those extras in a cave. Chiron shoots her down again; there’s only one cave and it belongs to the Oracle. Damn. Well what about stacking the cabins on top of each other? Parents associated with the sky can be on top and parents associated with the ground can be at the bottom. What? That seems a little bit...classist? No. Of course not. The real reason that won’t work is because demigods can’t cohabitate. You heard it from Chiron! All of your ships are invalid because demigods of different “families” can’t live together in peace.

Never fear! For Annabeth is here to save the day! Her latest idea is for small and low profile tiny houses. Her words, not mine. (I was going to make a sarcastic comment here about how, after fighting a war for equality, it’s a good idea to put the “lesser” demigods in places that are small and low profile...until I realized that Annabeth wasn’t fighting a war for equality, she was fighting for the continued reign of the Gods and therefore inequality because she ultimately privileges from the system no matter how often she cries mommy issues).

Anyway...The tiny houses are two stories; with a living area that sleeps two, a bedroom loft that sleeps two, and a bathroom. So four demigods per tiny house. Somehow there’s storage beneath the beds in the living area, which are the kind that pull out of the couch. Not sure how that works since normally the bed goes in the “storage area” when it’s in couch mode. And there’s a single closet beneath the stairs for more storage. The bathroom is the coolest part of the whole thing but it’s never mentioned if there’s a shower in those bathrooms or just a toilet and sink.

If you put four of these tiny houses together, they’re the size of one major demigod cabin. Isn’t that so funny. How you need four tiny houses for demigods but can’t build a regular sized cabin. Ha! Hilarious!

Which brings up a question. How big are the original twelve cabins anyway? The Hermes Cabin is so over crowded that kids need to sleep on the floor. Poseidon’s Cabin has nothing but six bunk beds (and later a small saltwater fountain) in it. Meanwhile, the Athena Cabin has multiple smart boards, work desks, a library, and a small armory on top of the beds. They’re clearly not all made equal (and that’s not even getting into the fact that the Hermes Cabin is literally falling apart).

Why does the size of the Athena Cabin matter, though? It matters because none of the other cabins are used for anything other than sleeping and chilling when there aren’t activities. The Athena cabin is so disproportionately huge and ironically high tech compared to the other cabins (WHY DOES RICK HATE THE HERMES CABIN?!). Okay, but they’re using it as a school. Why would you use a cabin as a school room?! Because those kids are supposed to be “geniuses?” So they don’t have anywhere in camp to just relax? It’s always work, work, work for the Athena kids, huh?

Where would you put the school? Oh I don’t know. Maybe the Big House, which only ever has two people living in it despite being three stories tall and super wide and easily the biggest building on the property. Ah, the Big House, where the occupants are always outside on the porch and the only interior mentioned is a living space with a ping pong table, Chiron’s office, and the attic used to stash the Oracle and other useless shit no one wants to look at. Why in Hades would you put a school room there? Think of the ping pong table! Relax! It was just an idea.

Hang on, we’ll come back to this. Now I want to bring up the decorating of cabins. The tiny houses also have the ability to be decorated however the occupants want, with only a single touch, which means that maybe the demigods of Nemesis want neon green walls despite Nemesis having nothing to do with neon green. Or the children of Iris are going through a Goth phase and decide all the walls should be black. Why does that matter? Because all of the other cabins are decorated according to godly parent. The demigods who live in the major cabins are extremely limited in what they can do with decorating because of “tradition and respect.” In fact, Percy and Tyson only add two decorations to their cabin: the aforementioned saltwater fountain and hippocampus figures on the ceiling. Which are both related to Poseidon. Despite some of the major cabins having been rebuilt, they were rebuilt to be exactly the same as before.

Which leads us to two points:

1.) The cabins aren’t shrines to the gods. These cabins aren’t sacred temples to the gods. The gods don’t care what happens in them or to them. They don’t care if they’re broken or overcrowded. They don’t care if the kids are fucking in them or if they’re digging tunnels underneath them or putting curses on them. The gods already have statues of themselves everywhere and most of them have a separate place in Camp that could be considered to be “their” place (Hephaestus and the forges, anyone?).

2.) Hera and Artemis’ cabins should both be nixed completely. Hera, as a goddess who will never have demigod children, doesn’t need a cabin on principle. She only has a cabin out of politeness, not necessity. And I can hear your protests already but no, Artemis shouldn’t have a cabin either. Her hunters have magical tents that they live in every other day of the year except for the one day out of the summer that they stop by Camp Half-Blood. That’s two cabins that regularly stand empty - one 100% of the time and one 99% of the time - and take up valuable space for people who actually need it.

Speaking of cabins that are usually empty: Poseidon and Zeus dont have more than one or two kids at a time (despite Zeus being a slut) so their cabins don’t actually need to be as big as the other cabins. Percy mentions that upon arriving at Camp Half-Blood, there are a couple hundred kids. More than half of them “disappear” during the first winter. Some die over the course of the series. Then the camp gets a huge influx of demigods; both the ones that came from Kronos’ army because they were pardoned and the previously unclaimed demigods.

Annabeth suggested stacking cabins on top of each other, which is a stupid idea for so many reasons (only one of which is pointed out to her and I listed another one), but she was actually on to something.

Except instead of making each floor for a different group of Godlings, what if, hear me out now, you bulldoze every single Cabin. (You get a tent! You get a tent! No, just kidding about the tents unless you’re a hunter of Artemis.)

Bulldoze the existing Cabins so that you’re starting from scratch (Annabeth, take some damn notes). Rebuild without Hera and Artemis’ Cabins. You never know when Zeus and Poseidon are going to get horny now that they’re technically allowed to reproduce again, so make their Cabins the same size as all the others (if you must). Rebuild the Cabins so that they’re a smidge narrower and a lot taller. That’s right! Slap two or three floors on top of those suckers! Make! Everyone! Fit! Give! Them! Space! No! More! Sleeping! On! The! Floor!

But what about the disabled - THERE ARE NO DISABLED DEMIGODS. Not even a single one! Everyone can climb stairs! Everyone! All the time!

Well that’s...true (and ableist) but what about Chiron? Shouldn’t he be able to get into the cabins? Chiron already can’t get into the cabins. He couldn’t get into the original twelve, he can’t get into any of the new ones.

Which brings me to the final, and possibly most important point. GIVE THESE KIDS PRIVATE BATHROOMS FOR FUCKS SAKE! If everyone thinks it’s a good idea for the tiny houses to have “personal” bathrooms, then give them to all of the cabins. No more communal showers! No more hazing other campers in the public toilets! No more getting eaten by harpies because you had to pee after curfew!

This way everyone is equal. No one has a better space or more space than anyone else. Everyone gets to decorate how they want. No one is going to die on the way to the bathroom. Because even though the war was ultimately about maintaining the status quo, Percy and Luke both said “no, this isn’t right and too many are suffering because of it and things need to change.” One traded his life for it, the other traded immortality for it.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

I had a dream where I was wandering in the woods and I found some weird abandoned facility. The Dream Works logo was painted on the side and the door was open, so I just sauntered inside. There were tons of big, drab concrete rooms all full of toppled over desks. Giant pillars held up the ceiling and plunged down into the earth. I thought that this place would be a magnet for graffiti artists, or just delinquent teens in general, but this place looked untouched by everything except me. There wasn’t even rat poop or cockroaches to point to a sign of life. Like the dumbass I am, I started walking down the staircase that wrapped around one of the concrete pillars. On the forth or so level down it stopped being the same old rooms full of desks and started being bedrooms and showers. There were literally hundreds of bunk beds, all with the same cheap white sheets. I investigated the bathrooms and found that the showers still worked and even better, they still had hot water. I guessed this place had an independent generator and the dim ceiling lights supported my hypothesis.

I decided I needed a shower and scrubbed down, then wandered over to one of the beds for a nap. (Yeah, sleeping in your dream is kind of weird, but I do it rather routinely. I guess I’m just that tired.)

My thought process for using the beds is that they may be dusty, but I hadn’t seen any evidence of any other life, so bedbugs were unlikely.

After I woke up I pulled on my clothes, which I vividly remember being a burnt orange tank top patterned with tiny carrots, high waisted jorts and my three-sizes-too-big black jacket.

I kept going all the way down to the bottom level where I was confused to hear talking. I crept around the corner and saw this old dude in a lab coat and these two blond collage age girls drawing a circle on the ground. The amount of sigils inside the circle made me think that this couldn’t be anything good, but before I could really do anything about it one of the girls spotted me. She shouted, “Hey!” and pointed at me. I didn’t waste any time getting the hell out of dodge, and I heard the old dude yell, “Stop them! No one must know!”

The two girls started chasing me. Because I don’t ever skip leg day, not even in my dreams, I made it up the stairs before they could. I made it through the door and almost made it back to the woods, but instead of going forward and disappearing into the flora I was suddenly going up. Out of freaking no where, I was caught in a tractor beam and being towed up into a space ship. I didn’t get to see if the girls had seen me getting abducted, but my prior circumstances were quickly ripped out of my head as I was blasted with water. Even though I’d just taken a shower I guess I was too dusty for these aliens to handle. I was “disinfected” and my wet clothes were confiscated and replaced with a very unflattering blue-gray jumpsuit. These particular aliens were very octopus like, but slightly taller than humans and their version of an invasion force was capitalism.

Instead of being forced into hard labor I was forced into a job that is actually hell to me. An “internship” as they called it, where I had hours of paperwork to do. Paperwork is a punishment worse than hell to me, so I did the absolute minimum effort I could get away with. I was set up at a station with three other people. One was Merida from Brave, one was Miles from into the spider verse and one was Stanford from gravity falls. I didn’t let on that I knew them, but I did become pretty close with them. While we were just doing paperwork together time was sped up, but as soon as we were called out to test a new piece of tech that the squid aliens had invented time resumed its normal pace. We were brought out to this floating asteroid that seemed to have an atmosphere that I guess was their testing site. One squid alien on a three piece suit came along to supervise us. The thing we were supposed to test was a Portal esc wormhole gun. I had to keep from laughing my ass off for reasons that will become apparent later. The squid fired it off, setting of each side of the portal in mid air about twenty feet apart, gave Merida a rope and instructed her to walk trough it. Reluctantly she agreed and walked through. The portal didn’t immediately close or collapse as she entered and she wasn’t lost in some in-between place, so the squid was ecstatic. However, Merida and the squid pulling on the rope was apparently enough to rip a hole in space and time. The rip started to drag Merida and the squid in, but Miles, Ford and I were standing far enough away. Miles managed to pull Merida out of range of the rip’s suction, but the squid fell into the gaping black maw. It was growing larger by the second and I knew we would be consumed before long unless I did something.

One of my recurring powers in my dreams is that I can open my own portals, in addition to some others. I turned around and opened my own portal back to the woods I was wandering earlier and had everyone run through. I closed it off as soon as we were all through. We landed on a dirt road that was at least sixty percent mud. It must’ve rained since I was abducted.

Ford immediately turned to me, his eyes wide.

“How did you do that?!” He demanded. I shrugged.

“I just... can?” I said. I actually have a reason, but I didn’t feel like telling him. I opened another portal to the room where our stuff was being kept on the ship and let it just fall through into my arms. We each headed into the woods to suit up in our normal clothes, though Merida forwent a dress for jeans and a tee shirt. We started walking down the road as quite the marry band until we found a homestead. No electricity, no generator, just one small shack and the sound of a lot of voices. Out back was a pigsty and it looked like this place hadn’t been up kept in years. The others wanted to take the stealthy approach, but I just kicked in the front door. There were a bunch of middle aged men sitting around drinking, about fifteen children ages nine to four and six toddlers, all huddling together in the corner around the one teenager who seemed to be about sixteen. Most of them didn’t have clothes any more sophisticated than a potato sack, and all of them had bruises. The teenage girl had a black eye. Cold rage bubbled up within me. I have very strong opinions about how children should be treated, namely, they should be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what age they are and no one ever has the right to hurt them. Something told me that there used to be more older women, but they’d died due to either violence or childbirth.

The biggest beefiest guy stood up and demanded to know who I was and what I wanted. I could tell he wasn’t seeing me as a threat due to my appearance. I mean, I’m exactly five feet tall, very feminine and not exactly buff. I demanded to fight him for the children and he laughed. Until I summoned my weapon. In my dreams I also can summon quite the arsenal. This time, I summoned my whip made of razor wire and cracked it right across his face. He immediately grabbed a huge black iron sword off the table and rushed me. I sidestepped out of the front door and cracked my whip again. It happened extremely fast so I’m not sure on the specifics of the fight, but I do know it ended with my whip wrapping around his throat. One quick tug and his head was on the ground as his body slumped to the side. All the other men, enraged that I’d killed their buddy grabbed their own swords. My whip is an awesome weapon, but it’s only good against one opponent. I tossed it aside and it burst into glitter, just before I summoned my sword.

I really like my sword. It’s a short Damascus steel blade with a gold gilded hilt and a ruby pommel. I’ve been using it for a really long time and I’ve gotten really skilled with it.

These guys clearly didn’t expect me to hold my own against all of them, but in combination with my portal magic I’m a formidable fighter in my dreams. For some odd reason the thing that ended the fight was a misstep from one of the men that lead to me accidentally chopping off the toe of his boot and the toe of his foot. He fell to the ground crying and demanded that everything stop. They agreed to leave and wandered back down the road, carrying their now toeless friend.

I went inside and found a yellow construction paper crown sitting on the table. I picked it up, put it on my head and muttered, “I’m the king.” With a big fat smile. I was mobbed by the little boys that demanded I teach them how to sword fight, the sixteen year old thanked me for getting rid of the people who hurt her, Merida asked where I learned to fight like that. Everyone else hung on the sidelines, not exactly liking that I’d just straight up killed and maimed on a whim. Ford was mostly interested in how I could summon and dismiss weapons on a whim.

“That’s not all I can do!” I grinned and stepped back outside. I told the teenager to release the pigs into the woods and told the kids to grab any items that they would want to take with them. Then with the three other interns watching, I waved my hand and an oak tree started to grow out of the ground. It grew so big that at a glance you could think it was hundreds of years old. With a snap of my fingers a massive treehouse constructed itself in the cradle of the tree’s uppermost branches. I subconsciously made it Halloween themed because it’s my favorite holiday. There were leaf streamers and grinning jack-o’-lanterns all over the place. One more wave of my hand and it was fully stocked with food and clothes and solar panels for its own electricity. I instructed the kids to climb up. The bigger kids carried the toddlers up. After we were all on board I snapped again and the tree started moving, walking along on its roots. I headed up into the main dining room and tried to add a little more decor, but it wouldn’t work. The plate of Halloween themed sugar cookies started laughing at me.

“What the-“ Ford started.

“I’m loosing control. I’m waking up.” I interrupted.

“What? Waking up?” Ford asked. I pulled him in with an arm around the shoulders.

“Listen, I don’t have much more time, so you’re in charge. I may be the most powerful here, but you’re the smartest. Keep them safe.” I said and put my paper crown on his head.

And that’s when I woke up.