Night Terrors

Prompt: Judy comforts a younger sibling after a bad dream.

	Judy felt herself being shaken. The silent urging melded with the tail-end of Judy’s dream as she slowly opened her eyes, staring into the darkness where the light shoving originated. She felt a small frame worm its way onto her bed, catching a brief glimpse of her younger sister in a strand of moonlight from a tiny window over their heads. The younger rabbit nestled in at her side, her eyes now glinting, reflecting the moon as Judy stared at her, one eyebrow raised. “Bad dream.” Judy’s younger sister, Heather, she realized from the voice, noted.
	“I figured.” She replied in a soft mumble, placing a comforting paw over Heather, slowly rubbing her back. She could easily feel the tension in her sister’s muscles, doing her best to help her relax. A twinge of hurt ran through Judy’s heart. This wasn’t the first time she’d had to comfort Heather, and especially not the first time she’d had to comfort any of her siblings, but it dawned on her that it could easily be the last. Tomorrow she would leave for Zootopia to begin her training. She felt her own muscles stiffen, and she pulled the younger rabbit closer, nuzzling against her. “It’s alright, Heather. Promise.” Her voice was shaky as she forced the words out, tears starting to darken the fur around her eyes.
	There was no response from Heather. She simply let Judy hug her tighter. Whether she knew that Judy was crying, or why, Judy wasn’t sure. There were a few long, silent moments before Heather moved her arm over Judy, not quite able to reach her back, but resting it on her side. Judy choked back another sob as wave after wave of realization hit her.
	“This is what I want to do.” She whispered to herself. “This is what I’m meant for.” Judy had never doubted herself. Even now, she wasn’t truly doubting herself, but- “It’s okay for it to hurt, right?”
	She felt her chest bumped a few times by Heather’s head in what she can best surmise was a nod. Judy gave a small chuckle, “I guess I didn’t expect you to be comforting me.” She sniffled and rolled onto her back, an arm still tucked beneath Heather. A vague notion of light started to enter the room from the far window, the sun just barely starting to peek over the horizon. “No hope for sleep now-” Judy began to speak, but she was cut off by a deep inhalation, the familiar notes of a rabbit entering slumber. She chuckled to herself, and enjoyed watching the sun rise over the farms outside. There was a peaceful quiet to the room, silent but for Heather’s breathing. Judy felt calm. She was ready to make the world a better place. For her sister, for her family, and every other mammal.