Stealth

The floorboard creaked. Anna stood. Breath held. Unmoving.

One more step. It'd be within her grasp.

Cautious.

Quiet.

Arm outstretched.

When her hand closed in on it, she felt a familiar tickle.

"Oh God, not now."

Finally, it would be hers, and now her own body was working against her.

She tried to stifle the sneeze, but it sounded like a bellowing walrus.

Frozen with fear, she stood waiting.

There came a slight moan, a rustling of sheets, and nothing more.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips.

Prize in hand, she fled like a black cat in the moonless night.