The young girl, wrapped in a warm blanket, awoke with a start. Her heart pounded, her breath coming in ragged gasps. For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was. The darkness, the oppressive weight of fear - it all came rushing back. She'd had the dream again. The one where she was running, running as fast as she could, but never escaping the terrible creature that pursued her through endless corridors of shadows.

Her eyes darted around the room, searching for the comfort of her mother's familiar face. And there she was, sitting at the kitchen table, a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. A smile crept onto the girl's face as she quietly climbed out of bed and padded over to her mother. Without a word, she threw herself into her mother's arms, burying her face in her shoulder and clutching at her nightgown.

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Her mother stroked her hair gently, murmuring soothing words as she held her close. The girl could feel the warmth of her body, the beat of her heart. It was all so real, so reassuring. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that this was not a dream, that her mother was really there, and that the nightmare was finally over.