Five minute free write - home alone

He opened his eyes. A reflexive action as he took a sharp breath in. Millions of years of evolution put his senses on high alert as something roused him from a pleasant dream. What, though, he had no idea.

It was still dark, and he alone.

For the first time his parents trusted him to take care of himself. No more babysitter, no more being a kid, he was growing up. There was no moon, and he'd been sure to turn off all the lights before going to bed. He'd even promised his mom that he'd switch of the nightlight that had burned steadily for years. He was an adult now, so even that spark was dull.

His mind returned to the moment, again remembering that he'd just woken up. But what had done that? It had been a good dream too...

Pulling off the covers he moved slowly towards the door. As his hand reached for the knob the safety of his room seemed so clear, like something he could touch, and whataver was outside...he hesitated for only a second...being a man and all.

The hallway too was dark.

No clock on the wall to let him know the time...but he could feel it was late. But not how late. If it was really late his parents should be home, but they weren't, were they?

He crept, foot by foot, sure in his own home, but unsure of what he was looking for. Down the hall, his parents door was still ajar. Always closed when they were in there he knew the hadn't yet returned. But, yet, it felt like someone was there. Someone else, and not just him.

---

EEP!

Where the heck is this story going? I have some idea as the writer, but I'm not sure if you want to know. This poor boy had something in store for him. Was it unicorns and sweets, or pale-faced clowns with balloon animals? Damn, toss up in my head.

I felt like throwing down some words tonight. Nothing related to my art, my politics, nothing. Just creating an image, the seed of a story :) I wrote it as I was making dinner...actually am still making dinner...and I have to check on it in a minute to make sure nothing is burning. But, like I said, I wanted to throw down some creative words and hopefully paint the beginnings of a painting for those who came by!

Hope y'all having a great day!

Michael