Darkness

"So, what are you afraid of?" He said, his eyes teasing me. This was all a game to him.
"You'll laugh," i said, "It's so dumb."
"No i won't, i'd never laugh at something you're really afraid of."
i glanced up at him, he looked sincere, with just a tough of concern. i took a deep breath, "Ok, i'm, um, i'mafraidofthedark." i said quickly, trying to get it over with. His face relaxed, and he smiled. "Why are you afraid of the dark?"
i sighed. i hated to explain it. "Because i can't see, and i don't feel safe in the dark. Anyways, it's creepy."
He stared at me for a moment without saying anything, then smiled, almost mischievously. His eyes began to twinkle. It was that look, he had an idea.
"Come with me." He said as he grabbed my hand and started towards the door.
We ran to the door, outside and up the concrete steps till we were on the lawn outside the church. It was a warm summer night, late enough to be pretty dark. He turned me to face him, and took my hands in his.
"Please don't be afraid of the dark, if you are you'll miss the most amazing thing about it." i cocked my head to the side, and looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"
"Look up. The dark is the only place for stars to shine."
i looked up, and saw thousands of stars. More than i'd ever noticed before. It was magical.
"See Sunshine, it's not all bad. Stars are so beautiful, if you avoid the dark you miss out on the magic of starlight." He looked straight into my eyes and smiled so warmly, i couldn't help but smile back.
"Ok," i laughed, "i'll remember that. Thank you Andy!" He reached out to me and i leaned into his arms. It felt safe. We stood there, looking at the stars, just holding each other.
It was the most precious summer night i can remember.