The Getaway

Marty sat up with a loud, exasperated sigh.

“I'm sorry, I just can't.” Jill's apology was a whine, which only made it grate worse on Marty's frazzled nerves.

Marty took a deep breath, held it for a minute, and said, as calmly as he could,“Look, I get it. You've said the same thing every night. And every night, I've been patient and understanding. And every night, I've laid here, awake. We have to drive home tomorrow, and after 3 nights with no sleep, I really need some rest. It's not like I'm asking for sex or anything. I just want to turn the light off.”

Jill sat up and pulled her knees up close, hugging the blanket under her chin. Tears began to flow as she choked out the words again, “I can feel it, Marty! There's -”

“I know. You think there's something in here with us. Well, where is it? Why haven't we seen or heard anything? We're in the woods, Honey. There are critters running around outside. I've checked the cabin every night. There's nothing in here, and no openings for anything to get in.”

Just when he was about to resign himself to another long night awake, his wife wiped her cheeks with both hands, sighed and quietly replied, “Okay. You're right. I'm being silly and childish and ungrateful. George was kind enough to let us use his cabin for an anniversary getaway and I've ruined it for both of us.”

“I never said that.”

“I know. You're too good a husband to tell me, but it's true.”

They'd mentioned their upcoming anniversary while having lunch with their friend, and were both overwhelmed when he'd said, “You know, my cabin in the Catskills would be a great place for you two to take a few days away from the city. It's not a long drive, and there are nice, easy hiking trails, amazing scenery, and the night sky up there is amazing!”

They'd taken him up on the offer, of course. They'd found the place easily with George's directions, and from their first look, they'd been thrilled. The cabin was clean and roomy, with a working fireplace and a well-outfitted kitchen. The surroundings were beautiful and the days had been full of adventure and exercise.

Unfortunately, the nights had been unbearable. From the first night, Jill had sensed something when the lights went out. Something malevolent, watching. She knew it was ridiculous, but the feeling simply wouldn't be ignored. She'd pleaded with her husband that night to turn them back on, and he'd reluctantly complied, though he'd never been able to sleep with the lights on.

“No,” Jill continued, resolve clear in her tone, “You deserve a good night's sleep. Let's turn them off. Just stay close to me, okay?” She managed a courageous smile, to put Marty at ease. “Before you ask, yes, I'm sure. Besides, I think it's time we broke in this bed, don't you?”

Some time later, they drifted off, holding each other happily in the dark.

…

In the city, a group of of hooded figures had chanted through the night. Before the sun could disturb the darkness that had finally fallen on the cabin bedroom that night, a man stepped forward, lowered his hood, and let his robe drop to the floor. “It's time. They are in darkness.”

At those words, the others disrobed, and the now-nude group stepped forward to surround the pentagram in the center of the floor. George took up the chant again, followed by the others. Slowly, the chant increased in intensity. The ritual patiently practiced over the past few nights would finally culminate before the dawn, summoning the powers they had called on many times before.

…

In the corner of the cabin bedroom, the ravenous demon woke again and grinned, seeing the light had been extinguished. Famished, it stole quietly forward to sate its hunger.

***

Thanks for reading!

Something a little different, I think, for the "Leave the Light On" Challenge: