20. Late Night Snack

        It was around two in the morning, and I had stayed up reading a really good book in bed. My stomach had started rumbling a little bit, so I tried to drink some water to feel better but failed. The rumbling increased until I couldn't deal with it anymore. I got out of bed and grabbed my flashlight, wearing my black cotton nightgown with the Star Wars logo. Dad and I had watched Star Wars together, and it had been one of my favourites since I was little. Opening the door quietly, I checked out in the hall to see if Dad was still awake. I wasn't supposed to be awake, and Dad would kill me if he saw I was still up and out of bed. Once I was sure that I wouldn't get caught, I tiptoed toward the elevator to get to the kitchen. When I got to the floor I wanted, I saw that all the lights were off. I wasn't the kind of person to be scared of many things, I was a superhero, after all, but I was a little scared of the dark. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the elevator, shining my flashlight at every corner. Since it was two in the morning, I decided to have a granola bar. I opened the wrapper and sat on top of the counter while I ate in silence. All of a sudden, a silhouette bumped into the counter and grunted, causing me to squeal and use a force field to trap them where they were. I swiftly picked up my flashlight and shone it at the stranger, only to see Uncle Thor wearing a grey hoodie and sweatpants with a confused expression on his face.

"Oh, thank goodness," I started, putting a hand to my chest and releasing him from the force field, "You scared me."

"I do apologize, young Katie," he said with a smile, "Do forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive. I'm just a baby that's scared of the dark, and I'm not supposed to be awake." I gave Uncle Thor a small smile while I finished my granola bar.

"Being afraid of something does not make you, as you said, a baby. If you were able to face it, then I see you as brave."

I let out a breathy laugh and smiled brighter.

"I suppose you have a fair point, Uncle Thor."

"You are quite an exceptional girl, Katie. Perhaps, I can take you to Asgard one day."

"Really? I have read that it's a beautiful place, and the people are very kind."

"That is true. You would, indeed, love it."

"One day, perhaps." I got down off the counter and threw out my wrapper. As I did so, Uncle Thor opened a cupboard and pulled out a box of pop-tarts. "Pop-tarts? Now?"

"Certainly!" Uncle Thor silently boasted, "I find them to be considerably delicious. Possibly my favourite snack from Midgard."

"I would say they are more a breakfast dessert than a midnight snack, but you are free to do as you, please. Goodnight, Uncle Thor."

"Sleep well, sweet Katie."

I gave him one last smile before getting into the elevator. Sneaking down the hallway to get to my room, I was very careful not to wake Dad as I did not want to get in trouble. Once I closed my bedroom door, I sighed with relief. Getting into bed, I prevented myself from reading more and went to sleep.