Security Tethered To a Key

Giggles

   float

        through

 rooms

                chasing

 night

     sounds

 from

        window

 panes.

Secure behind unlocked doors

young sisters chatter as sisters do

and have no thoughts unnerving waits

to go bump in the night.

Suddenly being alone loses its charm

when the unknown opens the front door

and remains mum when asked,

“Mom and dad are you home?”

Owl eyed with terror they listen

to heavy breathing frost safe with fear.

Caught between familiar and shadows
they wait for darkness to surrender its beast.

Revelation escapes through the same door

a nightmare entered leaving nothing behind

but a hurried goodbye of metal chain tapping silent glass.

Pep talking weakness into action the sisters

walk to the front door pushing its lock

to keep out what shouldn’t be let in.

Hours later a knock announces the parents’ return

and a harried question, “Whatever possessed you

to lock the front door?”

Security is now tethered to a key.

©Susie Clevenger 2014

This is a true story. My youngest sister and I were alone in a bedroom talking and giggling when we heard the front door of our house open and someone step inside. We immediately asked if it was our parents, but the only answer was the sound of heavy breathing. Terrified and frozen in place we waited for whoever it was to find us. After what seemed like forever we heard the front door open, then close leaving the chain on it rattling against the glass. We never found out who it was. 

 Real Toads ~ Camped Out In the Garden

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