Chapter 38

There is a sudden squeak, and I am immediately awakened. My eyes remain closed, but my heart beats faster and faster.

I freeze completely, not moving a muscle. The small, almost inaudible noise echoes once more in the room, and I am sure there is an intruder. My nose detects a slightly flowery aroma, full of old age and gray. Alertness rises in my blood, suspicion in my thoughts.

I slowly open my eyes, aware of the darkness that surrounds me. It is the darkest of nights, almost as dark as when my eyes were closed. Without a sound, I slide across the floor, my feet making no resounding impact with the ground.

I see the silhouette of a small being standing in front of my closet door, rummaging through my clothes. I crawl forward like a snake, sliding across the floor toward my target.

Suddenly, fear stiffens the creature, and it dashes for the door. I rush toward it with incredible speed, grabbing its