The Haunting of Bly Manor One Shot

With how eloquent Flora was, it was easy to forget that she was only eight. She was wise beyond her years, and you often felt as though she was more mature than yourself but moments like this reminded you that she was still only a little girl. You had joined your girlfriend Dani in caring for Flora and her older brother, whilst also helping out around the large manor they lived in. Tonight, the two of you had been in bed, ready to head to sleep, having put the two children to bed a few hours prior when the door opened a crack.

The small tearstained face of Flora peaked around the door. She quickly sniffed her nose as she stepped into the dimly lit room, revealing her bare feet and pale nightdress.

"Flora, what are you doing out of bed?" Dani asked.

Flora told you both of her nightmare. For the girl who had vehemently forbade you from wandering the halls at night, to have done so herself, it meant that she must have been truly upset. Both Dani and you gave the young girl a hug before escorting her back to her bedroom. Dani tucked her into the bed whilst you grabbed one of the fairy tales books that Flora secretly enjoyed. You took one side of the girl, whilst Dani sat on the other, the two of you alternating reading the story to her.

You had nearly reached the end when you heard Flora's snores. Dani closed the book.

"And they lived happily ever after," Dani whispered. "The end."

You both hopped off of the bed, tucking in the sheets either side of Flora to make sure she was comfy.

"She is so sweet," you smiled fondly looking over her.

"Especially when she's asleep," Dani added, resting a hand onto your shoulder.

You couldn't deny that. Although she was a pleasant child, she was still a child and working with her could be rather frustrating sometimes, so it was nice to have a moment of complete peace with the child asleep.

"Come on, let's not wake her," you said, placing the book back into the bookcase.

Dani took your hand, leading you quietly from the Flora's bedroom and back down the long dark hallways to the bedroom that the two of you shared to try and get some sleep before the long day of childcare would be to start again tomorrow.

~*~

Written by Charlotte.