A Frightening Night

I woke up with a start. The room was pitch black and I was sweating. Why was I sweating? It was cold and the air-conditioner was on. I looked out the window. It was still dark. After a few seconds, I noticed why I was feeling very nervous. A small figure was standing right at the edge of my bed. My body trembled as I figure out what to do. I tried to scream for help but nothing came out of my mouth. I tried to move but my body lay plastered to the bed. As I sat still on my bed, I noticed the figure coming nearer. When the figure was inches away from me, I saw the face illuminated by the moonlight shining from out the window.

Seeing the face frightened me. I have never seen a face so fierce but also odd-looking. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the small figure. He looked like an old man with a child’s body. There was also a long deep scar that ran across his face. I stared at him, gaping. He startled me when he said “Hi Susan. I’m Caleb.” I was shocked to death when he said my name. I started to talk rapidly, asking him questions. It all passed by in a blur. “How do you know my name? How did you get into my room?” I asked. As I sat there waiting for his answer, all he did was give me a big smile. It wasn’t a friendly smile as his mouth was filled with sharp teeth.

After a few minutes, he finally answered. “I’m sorry if I frightened you but I’m only doing my job. Listen to me closely, do not scream or I will hurt you. I am also going to ask you nicely to follow me. Don’t make me force you.” I was shocked. Why would this guy want me? As if he heard what went through my head, he answered “Under strict orders, I’ve come to take you away. You might think you’re a normal girl but you have no idea. Do you know that you’re adopted? Do you know who your real parents are?” Like a stab to my heart, what he said was hurtful. Is it true? Was I really adopted? I couldn’t decide whether I should believe him or not.

I sat there thinking and wondering. I finally decided that I had to run away from the man. I started thinking of ways to escape. I looked around frantically. The window was closed and the only way out was through the door. I knew it was a big risk but I had to take it. So, I darted towards the door. Halfway towards the door, the man suddenly blocked my path. Then out of nowhere he multiplied and surrounded me. Now there we’re more than ten of him! They even started to laugh really loudly at me, like a pack of hyenas.

I didn’t know what to do so I closed my eyes and started to scream. With all my might, I ran towards them thinking that I could run past them. While I was running, I lost my balance and fell. My head hit the floor and I saw stars. As soon as I fell, I felt my right cheek burning with pain. I knew I had to run. The men were after me but I couldn’t force myself to open my eyes. After a few minutes have passed, I heard a shrill voice saying “Woi, Susu! Wake Up!!!”

What a relief! That was just a nightmare. Before my mum could start yelling at me again, I quickly asked, “Mum, am I adopted?” Without answering, she just grinned and walked away.


by Dini Syarafina