Don't Think About It

by William W. Stuart

"Don't Think About It" by William W. Stuart is a children's tale written in the early 1960s. This fictional story delves into the imagination of a young boy named Tommy, who confronts his fears and the concept of unseen dangers through a mysterious hole in his closet. The narrative captures the essence of childhood innocence, fears, and the complexities of adult misunderstandings. The story revolves around Tommy, a bright yet perplexed child who discovers a hole in his closet that emanates a sinister presence he calls the "Ugly Thing." His toys, particularly Mr. Bear, become characters within his adventure, reflecting Tommy's attempts to navigate and articulate his fears to the adults around him. As the story unfolds, the Ugly Thing's hunger grows, paralleling Tommy's growing anxiety as his parents dismiss his concerns. Ultimately, through a dramatic turn of events involving a fire, the narrative highlights Tommy's courage and the consequences of both understanding and misunderstanding fear, culminating in a resolution that emphasizes the importance of addressing fears rather than ignoring them.