Eyes On You

Chapter 2-4

Lying in bed, I listen to Aimee as she sleeps beside me, her breathing soft and hypnotic. I wish I could sleep as well as she does. She can just drop off in seconds. How does she do it so easily? Probably doesn’t have as much on her mind. Women never do. All she worries about is what colour to paint the living room, and if Friends is recorded.

Although, I couldn’t think of anything worse than watching that s**t.

Even with the central heating on, I suddenly feel an ice-cool breeze wash over me; my arms plastered in goosebumps.

Please tell me I haven’t left a window open. Not tonight. Don’t make me get out of bed.

After a minute or so, I sigh, and reluctantly climb out of bed. The bedroom window is definitely closed, so I venture out into the dark hallway to inspect the rest of the flat. I hit the light switch. Nothing happens. s**t! Bulb’s gone. Already? I’ll change it tomorrow. Walking in complete darkness, I reach the doorway to the living room. I feel for the light switch. Nothing happens again. I try the one in the kitchen. Still no light. b****y fuse is blown—just what I need.

Completely blind, I head towards the kitchen window. I don’t feel any breeze, so I’m pretty sure the window is shut. Reaching it, I touch the glass. It’s closed. As I walk, barefoot, across the cold floor, I can’t help but worry about any stray pieces of glass still lurking. I still haven’t got ‘round to vacuuming. Need to do it tomorrow. Don’t fancy stepping on one, those glass pieces can get everywhere.

Inside the living room, it seems even darker. Reaching the window, I find it locked as well, so I make my way out.

I freeze at the doorway when I hear something. Droning. Like the sound of a radio programme turned down almost to silent. Pulse elevated, my eyes go straight to the stereo and TV. The power is off. Strange. Frowning in confusion, I quickly exit the living room.

Pull yourself together! It’s the draught.

Just before I step inside the bedroom, I hear a hissing sound in my ear.

Almost words.

My body floods with dread and I sprint across the room and leap into bed, yanking the quilt around me.

I hear Aimee begin to stir beside me, so I cuddle up to her.

The hissing repeats in my head—over and over again. Did I just imagine it? Was it just the pipes? The sound travelling from next door?

Those weren’t real words. They couldn’t have been.

I stare with wide eyes at the dark hallway, wishing that I’d closed the bedroom door.

Nobody spoke to me. It’s impossible.

I didn’t hear: ‘I see you.’

Just a draught.