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Chapter Four:  Television Scare

            (Note From Author: I apologize for the lack of action in this chapter!)

If there was anything I hated more then rotting dead things showing up in my bathroom at night, then I think that, whatever it is, should be given a reword for most gross thing ever!

I was sitting, perplexed and shaken, on the couch in the living room. It was dark, for the light had mysteriously turned itself off. This had happened when I tripped and fell against the wall right where the switch used to be, but when I went to turn it back on, it had hauntingly…vanished. There were no other lights in the room aside from the dull lamp with the old-fashioned, floral lampshade. My mom had picked it out…she thought it was cute. But, how had the switch just disappeared like that? Magic? No, there’s no way that’s possible. A gremlin? No, that’s magic. A haunting? But who would haunt me? And why choose now? I’ve lived here my whole life and never had any problem with ghosts.

            Suddenly, the wind grew loud outside, rattling the windows and doors.

            I boldly howled a manly cry of war and buried my face in a throw pillow. Without looking, I tuck up the remote and turned the TV on. Terror-struck, I slowly allowed one eye to look out at the bright screen. It was some old Christmas movie, the kind done with the claymation. It was Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer. They were singing the theme song.

            ‘Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose! And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows!’

Not being able to take it any more, I switched the channel. This time it was a commercial for some energy pill. I hugged the remote close to my chest and tucked my legs up under me, elevating my hind end.

A tremble ran through me like a cold breeze. I felt as if eyes were staring at the back of my head. Perhaps they were. What if I was being watched? What if it was behind me—planning my demise? I found myself in a moment of conflict. Should I risk my very life to see if my thoughts were reality? Or should I remain as I was—silent and enduring…like a ninja?

I chose to risk my being and rolled over slowly, eyes bulging. And there it was, sitting right there on the back of the couch.

I shrieked and leapt from the couch with the swiftness of a cheetah. I blocked my chest with the throw pillow and pointed the remote at the foul creature like a knife. There was an extended time of absolutely nothing. My hand was shaking with the remote in it. My heart throbbing with fear. I stared at the beast and noticed something outlandishly out of place about it, or at least…unfamiliar. I leaned back as I lifted a leg to prod the thing with my large toe. It fell over the instant I touched it. I hurled my body at the couch and landed on it with a bounce. Hiding most of my face behind the pillow, I peeked over the back of the couch. The creature lay on the floor, blank eyes gaping at me. I then realized something remarkable, and disturbing…it was not the squirrel…it was…a stuffed bunny. Mr. Toes, that is what I used to call him when I was little and still played with such nonsensical things. I picked him up, carefully. It was no wonder I mistook him for the squirrel; they were the same size. I sat on the couch and gazed, transfixed, at the snot stained toy. It seemed as though he could see right into my soul and could read my very thoughts. Was…Mr. Toes in league with the ghost that possessed the squirrel? No, that doesn’t make sense.

I revolved to face the TV in a proper way and tossed Mr. Toes over my shoulder. It’s nothing to worry about. I told myself. It’s all just paranoia. I relaxed and changed the channel. It was a documentary…on squirrels? I chuckled nervously. It’s nothing. I changed it again. I was a car commercial that showed some squirrels scampering across the road to escape the horror of the instantaneous car. For a third time, I switched the channel. A flying squirrel traveled eerily through the air in a torturous slow-motioned movement on the screen! I shrieked (for real) and made a fast heading for the kitchen. I NEED A KNIFE! I thought…however…it was to late. Something rammed into the back of my head, and everything went black!