She leans on me for the better part of the day, and all through the night. She fluffs me up and flattens me out and scrunches me up. I do my best to support her always. Some days she never leaves me, but others I actually start to miss her. Nights are my favorite because she smells so clean, even though I have to suffer the weight of her wet hair while she tosses and turns. She only changes my outfit once a month; I only have two different sets of clothing. However, I am grateful for the shield they provide for the nights when she decides to drool a little too much. I like to think the work I do is necessary. Comforting. Upstanding. Does she appreciate the security I offer when she has a bad dream? Is she grateful for my support when she has a bad day and needs someone to cry to? There isn’t much reward for those of us in the pillow business, but the days when she lays her head on me and I can feel the content, the hope, the happiness—those are the days that I feel glad to be me.

—By Hannah H., 19, California