Would You Think I Was Strange

They move, you know. When I'm not looking. If I look the other way, or blink, or (oh god no) fall asleep. When I open my eyes, they're closer than before.

Even with my eyes wide open (don't blink don't blink) it doesn't help. I can't watch all the walls at the same time. They close in, like wily predators. Also, if I manage to keep my eyes open long enough, the whispering starts. Indistinct at first. Getting clearer. Hissing terrible things about me. True things. Secret things. Hateful things.

I know... How can walls whisper? Look, I don't know. Maybe (I don't want to think this) it's something in the walls.

See, I wish I hadn't thought that. Stopping thinking about it, that'll be the real trick.

The deeper into the night we go, the closer they get. Each night, nearer than the night before. Whispering gets louder, too.

I've spent nights in my car, but it's getting chilly this time of year. When I caved and braved another night indoors, it felt like they bore down on me all the more and all the quicker.

I've invited friends to stay over, and that helps a little. The effect is a lot less pronounced, but it's there. In the corner of my eye. They never stayed more than one night, though, and I have a finite number of them. They make excuses for why they can't do it again. I've asked them outright if my home feels uncomfortable in anyway. Too hot? Too cold? Haunted? What? They laugh, and tell me, no, my flat is actually really lovely, but...

I'm afraid I've even engaged in a bit of hook-up culture, just so that I won't have to be alone. Pathetic, no? Do what you want to me, but don't leave until morning. They do leave sharpish when the sun comes up. Maybe I don't smell good, or my bed isn't comfortable, or they just aren't hungry for breakfast.

Tonight, I sit right in the centre of my room, trying to watch all the walls at once. I don't know when I last slept. By morning, my flat will be a box smaller than I am.

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No squealing and remember that it's all in your head

Word count: 366

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

Submitted on Wednesday 30th October at 22:37

Quick Author's Note

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 304 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY SIXTY-TWO 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

The story behind the story: This is a story for Marie Sinadjan's Spooky Bingo, using the theme "All In Your Head". WITCH'S BROOM ACHIEVED!

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!

Here are a couple more I have submitted to Marie's Bingo challenge:

Here is another I'd love you to read!

My dollar challenge closes tomorrow!

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Thank you again!