There is nothing in the closet. It's late, school tomorrow. It's time to sleep. Sleep means eyes closed and stop thinking. Rollover, face the wall. Ignore the stupid closet. There is nothing in the closet. Mom says.
There is nothing watching. Nothing waiting for a turned back. Nothing sneaking across the darkness to the bed. Nothing. Rollover and look. See? Everything's fine. Safe. Lay back on the bed, eyes closed. Count sheep or something. Go to sleep. Look again, still nothing, right?
Was the closet door open before?
Of course it was. Had to be, it's open now isn't it? It probably just didn't latch. So it kinda slid open. That makes sense. Because there is nothing in the closet. For heaven's sake, go to sleep. There is nothing to be afraid of.
What was that noise? That a creak just now?
It was the house settling. Yes. That's right. Houses are loud. Especially at night. Because it is quiet so there aren't any other noises to cover it up. That's what that sound was. That's nothing. Nothing at all.
It certainly isn't the closet. Right? Look, everything is- why is the door open more?
No. No, the door is hung bad. It opens on its own, because it isn't hung right. And the wind. The wind opens doors. Even inside the house. Yeah. There is nothing in the closet so it must be the wind.
That's why the door is open wide.
Don't blink. Did the shadows move?
Are those eyes?
No no no. It's just an over active imagination. Nothing is in the closet nothing is in the closet nothing is intheclosetnothingisintheclos-
It moved it moved. Heard it creak. It moved. Saw it blink.
Safe on the bed. Safe under the covers. Pull them all the way up. Hide- it won't see under the covers. It won't come here. Safe. Don't breathe.
Hot under the covers. Gasp. Why is it so hot? Whimper. Quiet! Don't make a sound! No no no- it will find-
It is moving. Feel it, know it. It's in the middle of the room. Coming closer. Closer
Closer.
Next to the bed.
Hear it breathing. Can smell it. So close.
Oh no- weight shifting on bed- no- not right- no- not aloud on the bed- no- stay away stay away stay- no-
MOM! MOM! MOM!
The light turns on. What's wrong honey? Did you have another nightmare? Oh, it was just a bad dream sweetie, you're fine. Everything is alright. Dreams can't hurt you. Go back to sleep, tomorrow is another big day! Don't cry honey, everything is fine, there are no such things as monsters. Look, see? There is nothing in the closet.
