My head has only just hit my pillow when I hear a rustling in the dark. I open my eyes. For a moment nothing but blackness registers, but dim moonlight slowly begins to cast blurry shadows on the walls of my bedroom. Nothing I see immediately explains the disturbance I heard. As my eyes adjust further, however, a figure comes clearly into view. It stands nearby. It’s watching me. The creature has no definite shape, but I can feel its presence. I can see its eyes.
It stares.
I stare back.
I’m too scared to look away. Something in the back of my mind is nagging at me to close my eyes, but something even stronger in my consciousness is holding my eyes open almost against my will.
It stares.
Frightened, I allow a tear to roll down my cheek. I want to know why this monster is haunting me. I will myself to part my lips and ask. I’m suddenly very aware of how dry my throat is, and I unwillingly stop breathing. I gasp silently. My lungs remain empty.
It stares.
I stare back with pleading eyes. I can’t breathe.
The beast comes closer. It’s only inches away. I can feel it against my skin. Its eyes fill my vision.
It stares.
I choke for air, but my throat won’t open. I see nothing but the demon’s burning irises now. It’s not just looking at me. It’s looking in me. It knows what I’m hiding, and it doesn’t seem pleased. My lungs are burning for oxygen. The fiend has its hands on my throat. I begin to feel his rage. Flame consumes my vision, and fire licks my face.
I try to apologize. I never meant to cause the destruction that came about. No sound comes from my mouth, and the evil spirit that is now moving freely through my thoughts ignores my pleas.
Tears are streaming down my face, and I can’t feel my body. Maybe I have no body anymore. I begin to lose consciousness, but something vile is forcing me to stay awake. I want to vomit. I can no longer see. I sense my mind slipping. I forget what I’m trying to fight, and begin to give in to whatever force is wrenching my thoughts away from me.
And then it withdraws. I gulp in precious mouthfuls of air. Blood returns to my limbs, and I can see the shadows of my bedroom once again. My tears dry on my cheeks. My breathing returns to normal.
And then I see the monster’s eyes peering out from within my closet. From under my bed. From inside the air vent in the corner of the floor. It’s waiting for my next mistake. Fatigue begins dragging my eyelids slowly shut. Sleep grips my mind against my will. As I drift away I keep my eyes locked on the demon’s.
It stares.
