Short Story: The-jack-in-the-box (part 2)

Short Story: The-jack-in-the-box (part 2)

I woke up startled. I didn't know why but I felt instantly frightened. I could feel something in the room with me.

I let out a whimper but then I instantly composed myself.

“You're imagining things Maria,” I told myself, “don't be stupid!”

There was a quiet but definite thump in the darkness and I let out another whimper. I gripped the duvet and pulled it over my head.

“Get a hold of yourself! Everything will be fine... Everything will be fine. Ignore it! Ignore it.” I started to shiver. “Don't let it scare you. That's what it wants. It wants to scare you.”

There was another thump but this time it was louder... No, it wasn't louder... It was closer.

I heard myself shriek.

“No. Stop it. Stop it! Don't let it scare you!” I kept reminding myself over and over.

Then the worst part came. The music. The eerie chimes and jingles. I wanted to cry and before I knew it the hot tears were rolling down my cheeks.

“Damn it Maria! Be brave for once in your life. Come out from under the covers and smash that thing! It's tiny. It can't hurt you.” But I couldn't even convince myself. I felt like I'd been cut in half. One half was brave and strong and the other was terrified and panicky.

Then the music stopped. Silence filled the room and at that moment, silence seemed like the worst sound in the world...