Terror

The little boy cowered under his bed.

Trembling slightly, he willed himself to keep quiet as tears ran silently down his cheeks.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The heavy footsteps drew closer.

Shaking violently now, the little boy screwed his eyes shut.

Thud. Thud.

The footsteps paused next to the bed.

A horrid chuckle. Then a grunt. Something heavy fell to the floor.

The boy held his breath.

Another chuckle. Then footsteps again, heading away.

Suddenly all was silent.

Calming his trembling body, the boy forced himself to open his eyes.

Slowly, he crawled out from under the bed.

And screamed.