I awaken, and realize suddenly that there is someone in my bedroom! I feel that person get into bed beside me! He is heavy. The bed sinks on his side more than it does on mine. I hold my breath and wait for an attack. Nothing happens, but I do not relax. I keep still and try to breathe as I think I would do if I were really asleep. I do not want him to know that I am awake. I open my eyes just a crack and look into the pitch black room for answers. I find none. I turn my head and sigh, hoping that it looks as if I am just turning in my slumber. Obviously I do not know how I look turning in my sleep, but now is not the time for rational thought.
I position myself, more advantageously to offer some resistance should I need to defend myself. I think of screaming. I try to scream. My throat is tight! It makes almost no sound. I try again and it is only a little better. I am more annoyed than frightened by this. I have learned something about myself. I do not like what I have learned.
***
I awaken thinking that I have had the worst of all nightmares. I am too embarrassed to tell anyone about it. This is nonsense. I do not believe in ghosts. I cannot explain the events of last night. I go through my day trying not to think about my experience. I must remember not to snack so late at night. I watch comedy on the television, trying to cheer myself up, trying to ensure that tonight will be better than last night. Try as I might though, I cannot forget my horrible dream.
He has returned! He stands over me in the bed. It wasn't a dream last night after all! He steps over me! I can feel the bed move with each step as he walks possessively in my sanctuary. I hear the sound of my mattress yielding to the pressure of his weight. My finger snakes to the power button of the laptop that lies on the bed next to me and I turn it on illuminating the room. I can see nothing lurking in the shadows. My laptop and I are alone in my bed. I leap up suddenly, beyond the reach of possibly grasping hands owned by men hidden under my bed, and turn on the lights. I can see nothing! I look under the bed and spy my slippers and two stray pieces of paper. My disquieted thoughts, the light and my laptop keep me company for the rest of the night.
***
This is his third night! I cannot see him though I have left all the lights on and my eyes are open. I feel him though. He is straddling me, standing over me in my bed! I feel him squat and sit on my legs! I cannot move! I know that he is watching me though he has no face or eyes that I can see. I feel the bed sink and I know that he is leaving, but, God help me, I know that he will return tomorrow night. I am very afraid.