The creature

Slowly, ever so slowly it crawled towards me.

It's eyes burning with anger, gazed up at me as it approached.

The darkness made it's padding footsteps sound so much louder.

With each step closer my heart sped faster and faster.

It kept on coming closer and closer and yet never lost eye contact with me.

The cold sweat trickled down my back as I pulled my duvet up further around my neck.

I felt like calling for mum but the word wouldn't form in my mouth.

My heart was caught in my throat.

Help, help me.

I curled up tighter.

It kept padding forward.

Closer and closer.

I was shaking with fear.

I tore my eyes away to look at the wall behind me.

I hunted with my eyes for the light switch.

The padding stopped and I felt it prepare to leap up at me.

As it took flight I made a quick scramble for the light.

I flicked the switch and rolled over in time for the creature to land on my stomach.

My stomach lurched and my heart slowed back to it's normal rate.

I lay back on my pillow panting and stroked my cat as it purred to sleep.