The Monster in My Bedroom

Augustus Remier

It started a couple of weeks ago. Some nights when I would go to bed, I would hear things. Noises, bumps, scratching, tapping, whispering. Sometimes it even sounded like it was coming from inside the house. And I would see shadows across my window. I knew I couldn't tell 'cause no one would believe me and that would just make it worse. Then one night, a monster came into my bedroom. It was a Tuesday. I remember the day 'cause it was my birthday. Mommy gave me a cupcake with a candle in it. Daddy didn't say anything. Sometimes it's better that way. But that night after I went to bed, the monster came in through the window. He was dressed nice, but was very dirty. I pretended like I was asleep, but I kept my eyes open a little so I could watch him. I was very scared and tried not to breathe, or move, or think. He walked over to the crib where my little brother sleeps and bent over it. I couldn't see what he was doing. He stood there for a minute and then he left, crawling out through the window. The next morning, my mom came in to get Bobby and started yelling for Dad (he's not really my dad, he's Bobby's dad. I never knew my real dad). Ambulances came and it was very busy. I tried to tell mom about the monster, but she said I was just having a bad dream and none of that really happened but every night after that I lock my window and my door. A couple of days later we all dressed up nice and went to church for Bobby. Ever since then, Mommy cries a lot and looks at me sad. Dad spends more time at work which is good 'cause when he's home, he's very angry. They argued last Saturday and I haven't seen dad since. Dad said it was my fault that Bobby was dead, that I was jealous of all the attention he was getting. "Bobby wasn't on his stomach when we put him to bed that night, but that's how you found him wasn't it?" Dad asked. Mom said that wasn't true, that Bobby died because of Sids. I don't know who that is. I thought maybe that was the monsters name, but Mommy always said there was no monster so I didn't ask her about it.

Tonight the monster came back.

I tried to be quiet, but he came over and stood at my bed. He said, "I know you're awake. The other night wasn't the first time I've been here, but tonight will be my last. I know that you're not happy here. Do you want to come with me? I promise no one will hurt you anymore." Before I could think, I nodded my head and everything got dark. I see myself lying on my bed. I think of visiting my mother before I leave but the night is no longer young and there are many children on this block.

Copyright ©2000 Augustus Remier. All Rights Reserved.

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November, 2000 Issue #55

512 Words

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