It's Coming

I remember the last time I got a really good night's sleep. I wish I'd known it was the last. I'd have appreciated it more.

To be more specific, I remember waking from the last good sleep I had. My alarm jarred me awake, and I silenced it with a groan. I forced myself to sit up so I couldn't sink back into sleep. I dragged myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom, hating that I needed to switch on the light. It's practically the middle of the night!

Bleary eyes squinted back at me over the sink. Moving like an automaton, I washed my face and loaded my toothbrush. I remember trying not to let any of the minty foam escape my mouth, and that's when I noticed it: a faint, shadowy blob hovering in the mirror. I blinked and it was gone.

I imagined it. Right?

I shrugged it off, and carried on getting ready for work. The rest of the day was just a dull and ordinary January day. It wasn't until I was driving home that I saw it again. I glanced up at the mirror to scowl at the driver behind me and there it was: the same shadowy shape, a little more defined. I stared, gripping the steering wheel, but it was already gone.

Over the following days, I see it every time I catch sight of my reflection. Even in darkened windows. Each time, closer, clearer. It's watching me! I was constantly on edge. I took time off work for stress, but that only gave me more time to dwell on it.

In less than a week, I could make out its face. Gaunt and pale, with hollow eyes. It hunted me through my dreams. Was that my fear, or was it really in my dreams?

Is it me encountering my reflection that lets it stalk closer? What if it's not? What if I avoid it, and it sneaks up on me unchecked?

One day soon it's going to be standing right at my shoulder. The only question is whether I'll feel that cold clammy grip behind me, or if it'll lurch out of the mirror and pull me in.

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Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Monday 4th November at 22:46

Quick Author's Note

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 309 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY FIFTY-SEVEN DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments.

I am making excellent headway catching up on reads. Where I'm already up to date with all someone's stories, I read someone else's in lieu!

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

Or, if you prefer a quickie, this one will only take you a minute:

Here's my latest dollar challenge. I think you might love it:

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Thank you again!