Footsteps in the Dark

Footsteps in the Dark

     Footsteps in the darkness. You awaken.

The night lays over you like a death shroud, enveloping all in silky silence.

The air changes.

Tiny hairs rise on your exposed arms, trying to escape.

Icy fear slides down your spine and settles in your gut.

     He’s here.

You feel him watching. You freeze.

What does he want? Why won’t he speak?

You can’t move. He’ll see you. He’ll know.

Inside you start screaming, high and loud like a siren.

The force of it is so intense that it shakes you apart.

Outside you remain motionless.

     Footsteps in the darkness. He approaches.

You think of your arms, unprotected outside the sheet.

You rage inside. How could you be so careless?

     He’s never touched you.

You almost wish he had.

Then you would know his purpose, his nature. You start to weep.

Quietly, so carefully quiet.

     Footsteps in the darkness. Closer now, right outside the bedroom door.

You start to panic.

Your mind runs wild like a hamster on a wheel.

Turning, turning, yet it returns to the same question. Why me?

     Footsteps in the darkness. He’s inside now.

The door never moved an inch, yet he looms before you.

A darker blob amid the lighter darkness. No form. No shape.

     Footsteps in the darkness. He’s next to you now.

You know soon he will take you.

You feel him reach out for your hand.

You prepare yourself.

To run, to fight, to die, you’re not sure.

He’s so close...

     Light blossoms outside the curtains.

The air shifts with his departure. You cry now in earnest.

You’re thankful to be alive for a few more hours.

Deep down you know your victory is hollow.

Tonight he comes.