Saving a King

A Cage That Never Opens

Quickly, I make my way around the house. Turning every light on that I can. My breathing is still irregular as I get a glass of water. The cup shakes a bit as I lift it to my lips. I’m safe, nothing can get me in here. I repeat this religiously to myself, only hoping it’s the truth.

The sound of the rain hitting the window panes used to calm me, now it irritates me as I cannot hear anything else. I remember the open windows in the living room, allowing the fresh air from the storm to enter. Rushing over, I slam them shut, making sure to lock them. I walk room, to room and double, triple check all the window locks. If everything is locked, nothing can get in here to me. I am safe.

It’s been three weeks now. I do not sleep at night. I don’t have the courage for any walks anymore. My doors and windows stay tightly shut and locked. All the lights stay on during the night, I take no chances. My exercise is now very limited. All I can do is prowl the confines of my house.

The chirping of the birds in the morning no longer send joy to my heart. Instead, I dread any sound that I hear. I know this is not healthy but, I am scared. I’ve looked online to try to figure out what could have been after me. No one has shared a similar story. That night is becoming a blur and it frustrates me. What was out there? Was anything out there, did my imagination make it up? Then I remember the breath I felt in the dark, I did not image that. The thudding of the footsteps, those were real. Was it only one thing, or were there many out there? Are they still out there? These questions assault my mind day and night.