Monster Under the Bed

Sally stared at the small paper-wrapped package on her bed. She was surprised to find it when she jumped into her bed after turning off the lights.

"Happy Birthday, Sally." Und's deep voice came from under the bed.

Sally giggled with excitement, "You remembered my birthday?"

"Yes, humans celebrate the annual marking of their birth."

Sally opened the package to find an intricate gold necklace with a red jewel wrapped in fine gold metal. She gasped in surprise, "Wow, this is, this is beautiful. Thank you, Und."

"I was more prepared this year. I saw it in a market and thought you would like it. It was made by one of the finest craftsmen in the kingdom."

"Thank you," Sally squealed with excitement. After a few minutes of admiring the necklace, "When's your birthday? I want to get you a present too."

"I don't know."

"Why not?"

"It's not something we ever thought about. It doesn't matter, really."

"Why? Birthdays should be fun!"

"Well, I've had so many that maybe I can skip a few." Und's laugh rattled the bed.

"Whatever! Goodnight, Und."

"Goodnight, Sally"

Sally wore the necklace every day until...