The noises began soon after I spoke with my shadows, dashing across my wall, their beauty captivated me. But as soon as I acknowledged their delicate existence with a soft word, they fled and something far more sinister than my twirling shadows came with their absence. This things’ presence clouded the room and now, the thing, whispers, calling to me, snarling. But tonight I am ready, waiting. The bumps come first, slowly beating the wooden under boards beneath my mattress. I turn my head, quickly, sharply, a whisper emerges out of the dead air. Harsh and thick growling in a language my consciousness can’t understand. I step down, prepared and lower my body against the soft wool carpet and slide my body into the darkness. I wait for a sound, to reach out and grab it. I am shaking, my body, clammy and cold. I hear a thud, not from under the bed but near it. My heart leaps I hurry, frantically try to get out to escape the entrapment I have put myself in. I hear another thud. The cupboard door creeps open.