My name is Rina. I'm six years old and someone took me from my bed when it was dark.

I didn't scream or cry, although I assume that would be what a normal six-year-old would do. Instead, I quietly did as the kidnapper asked, hoping my best friends in the whole world would notice my absence.

I sleep on the journey to wherever I'm going. Being six, I don't recognize anything once we leave the small town and the rolling hills blur one into the next.

"Where are we?" My voice feels scratchy and I yawn hugely. Someone passes me a juice box and I chug it down. "Thank you."

I hope remembering my manners will make my parents proud.

Next comes a sandwich with egg and ham. I wish for cheese as I take a bite. But it's warm and tastes good, so I don't complain.

Instead, I look out the window at the lights of passing cars and wonder where the people who drive by might be going. I wonder if there might be another child in a car zooming down the road who doesn't belong to the people driving.

I try not to cry, but as I turn my thoughts toward my best friends, the tears come in earnest.

"Rina," Randall says and I want to jump with joy at his voice. I hug him fiercely and he reminds me that no one can see him except me.

"Don't cry, little one," a man's voice says. "We aren't going to hurt you. We just need something from your parents. Once they hand it over, we'll let them bring you home safe and sound."

I dry my eyes and ask, "Can I have a pen and paper please?"

"Sure," the man says and hands me my treasures. "I'm going to draw the others," I say to Randall and he smiles at me. I take my time drawing my friends. Stanley, my favorite stuffed animal is a mess of other animals. He has a pretty, scaled body in the shiniest blue you've ever seen. Each of his legs once belonged to a different stuffed dog. He sports a long lion tail, a pretty pink flamingo head and a useless set of elephant ears to pass as his wings.

Then there's Franco, he's the funny monster who sleeps under my bed. He loves comedy but can also do a very real Nightmare on Elm Street, if the mood strikes him. He saves those performances for when I have friends over who like scary movies.

And of course, there's Randall. He's my imaginary friend who's always there when I need him most. I've never been more thankful for Randall than right now. Now, I don't have to be alone.

Rina. Rina. Wake up!

I slowly open my eyes to Randall and instantly pull him close. I'm cold and lonely and all I want is to go home. I miss my mom and dad, and even my pesky older brother. Do they know I'm missing? Are they looking for me?

Tears threaten, but Randall keeps me calm. "We have to make sure we stay small and quiet. Maybe they won't notice us so much that way."

"I hope Stanley and Franco can find us," I say, my lip trembling from the cold. Eventually someone brings me something to eat and I'm allowed to shower and I'm given warm clothes. I want to sleep, but Randall says I have to pay attention. My head hurts, but I try to look and listen.

A knock comes at my door and when I open it, I nearly squeal to see Stanley there with Franco behind him. Instead of coming into my room though, they grab me up. "Stay very, very quiet." Stanley carries me like a sack and I make myself and small and silent as possible. Then we're stepping outside and it's cold and dark. But the stars in the sky are like bits of hope and I snuggle closer to Stanley to stay warm.

Stanley carries me for a long time before Franco offers to take over. I'm shifted between them back and forth as we head home. When the sun is just crossing the horizon, I am placed on the doorstep of my home and Stanley unceremoniously rings the doorbell. Exhausted, I am swept up in my mother's arms as tears stream down her face. Her beautiful brown eyes are overflowing, and I find myself crushed against her warm chest. Even my brother is on the verge of tears and he never cries over anything.

As I grow, I keep my imaginary friends close, unwilling to let them go as most children do. Stanley, Randall and Franco are more than just my imaginary friends. They're my saviors. I'll introduce them to my own children one day and in that way, I'll honor their sacrifice to help me in my deepest time of need. So, tonight when I lay down to sleep, I give them my dreams and my deepest gratitude, because without them, I'd not be the person I am today.