A Brave Reply

You lean close to the microphone. Your hands shake, but your voice does not. "We are not afraid," you say. "You can rest now."

The big speakers hum. Far away in space, the old satellite hears you. It beeps once — soft, like a tired sigh. Then the red light on the meter blinks slowly, slowly... and goes dark.

All over town, people blink. The scary shadows melt away. Birds start to sing, even though it is still night. Dr. Lin runs in and gives you a big hug.

You were brave when it mattered most. The whisper sleeps forever.