Rhonda closed her phone. She had just ended a call from Mr. Carrier, who is at an overnight camping trip with his students from Tampa Catholic. She headed back to her room. As Rhonda got ready for bed, she thought she heard something. A whisper, a murmur. Probably just the wind. My imagination is getting the better of me.

Rhonda closed the door and turned off the light. The door creaked when she closed it. Crrreeeeaaaakkk. She shook off her insecurities and climbed under the covers. As Rhonda’s eyes started to slip closed, she thought heard heavy footsteps in the house, followed by a door closing ever so slowly. Maybe Mr. Carrier came home early? But to make sure, she grabbed her phone and texted him.

"Hey where are you now."

"Still at the campsite. Why?"

"I hear something in the house."

"It"s probably just the wind. I'll be home tomorrow, good night."

"Ok, good night."

Rhonda tamped down her fear for good. She should stop watching too much TV. As she once again attempted to get comfortable, her bedroom door opened. By itself. As Rhonda watched with terror, she thought she saw a sliver of darkness slip through. No. That’s impossible. But what’s going on? Is this a juvenile prank? Rhonda covered her head under the covers. All was silent, until she felt it. The covers sunk from pressure beside her. Someone was on the bed, right next to her.

Rhonda slowly turned around to see. Oh, this is most definitely a prank. Let’s see who’s responsible. she angrily thought. But all pretense of anger vanished when she looked into the glowing eyes of a dark monster. It opened its mouth to smile.

Rhonda screamed.

It was the last thing she ever did.