Sleepless Nights: Part Three-- Day After Night Two

I am no stranger to being alone late at night. For years, I lived alone in my flat in Singapore. I felt comfortable living alone then. So when Chad works and arrives home long after it has gotten dark, I do not have a problem being on my own. I feel comfortable and safe. Until a couple of nights ago, that is.

After another night of fitful sleep, I found myself calling Chad at work just a little too often. After two nights of some THING going bump and thump in the night...and losing sleep over it, no longer was I comfortable being alone in the house. I was especially freaked because Chad thought he saw something in our room both nights. But then, he didn't have his glasses on and I did not see anything, so we both decided that it must have been his imagination. Still I sat up and stayed awake after Chad had gone back to sleep just to make sure.

The day after night two started as grey and cold but later it got sunny like someone had turned on a switch. It was even starting to get warm but no way was I opening a window. That THING might get in. As I entered the basement to do laundry, I found myself holding my breath. "Please, please, don't let that THING be in here." Then I got busy in the front yard and I was distracted. Strange...I actually felt safer being outside.

When I was inside, I kept hearing strange noises and had an uneasy feeling. I looked around. I checked all the windows and doors. Shut and locked! Still I kept hearing the noises and I switched the lights outside. I was not letting any-THING in.

I hear the dog next door whining. He was doing that last night too. 11.30 pm and I'm in the media room which is connected to our bedroom. Chad should be home soon. I'm still feeling uneasy and turn my head. At laundry chute a few feet away, I see ...