Bethâs been having too much trouble sleeping lately. Every night is the same. Thereâs a presence in her room - sometimes many. Invisible eyes devour her body.
At first it terrified her. She went through every day exhausted. Those eyes⊠She couldnât see them, but she could feel them. She thought she had gone mad.
Finally, she decided to visit a friend of hers. Someone she knew wouldnât think she was crazy. Her friend, Eldora, could be considered a bit on the âstrangeâ side. She saw things.
They spent a few hours and chatted about the night watchers. Several cups of tea later, Eldora said that it didnât seem to be anything to worry about. They were just watching her, because she fascinated them in some way. Eldora suggested that she speak with them and ask them what they want.
That night when Beth got home, she prepared for bed as usual. She drew a hot bath, slipped out of her clothing and soaked for an hour. The heat of the water eased most of the tension from the day and night before. She decided then and there, that while showers saved time, baths saved her soul.
The chill air that hardened her nipples, sent a shiver down her spine. It reminded her that she was not alone. She quickly tiptoed across the room and slipped under the covers. Strangely she felt a little safer under the weight of the comforter. Itâs funny how childhood ideas carry on throughout your adult life. Eldoraâs words entered her brain and she remembered, that in order to get over your fears, you must face them.
Slowly, she pushed the coverlet down and peered into the darkness. She couldnât see anything, but that old feeling came back. Swallowing hard, she fought back the urge to cry. Taking a deep breath, she sat upright in bed, pressed against the headboard. Her voice shattered the silence, âWho are you? And why are you here?â
After what seemed an eternity, a whispered response floated into her left ear. ~Your questions are music to our ears. We had hoped you would notice us. We are your servants. We wish to please you.~ Another voice came to the right side of her head. ~Your beauty caught our attention. We see you for everything you are. We never meant to frighten you.~
âYou arenât going to hurt me? Or anything unnaturalâŠâ her voice trailed off into the inky black. The tinkling of soft laughter filled the room. ~Of course not. We want to keep you safe and happy and fulfilled.~ Beth didnât know how to react. This was all too strange. âHow do you plan on doing all these things for me?â ~Will you trust us?~
She chose her words carefully and stated, âYou ask a lot of me. Trust you? I donât know what you are. For all I know, Iâve completely cracked and youâre just the voices in my head.â