MicroHorror

It would be nice to wake up slowly and comfortably, instead of being jolted awake in a cold sweat wondering what could be hidden in the shadows. Sadly, that’s just a fantasy. So he sits, shaking, until his heart has slowed and his breathing has calmed and he’s able to reach out and flip the switch.

With so many things to go wrong, the rest of the day isn’t any better.

Especially this time of year, with the carved pumpkins and the horror marathons.

Why does fear strike when you’re most vulnerable? He’s sick of being woken up so rudely.

Dammit, the doorbell again. Who could it be? The guests are all here… I’m already in the back; these old legs can’t make it up front very quickly. Thank goodness for modern conveniences. “Can I help you?”

The man at the other end of the video intercom would have been unremarkable if more people were apt to shove their badges at cameras. “I’m looking for the home owner. There have been some complaints.”

“He’ll be just a moment. He’s entertaining, but I’ll send him up immediately.”

It’s a good thing I always keep a few things handy. Like a couple thousand dollars and a long-distance transportation spell. I’ve been around long enough to know what the authorities are doing at The Master’s house. And I certainly know what happens when they show up during a dinner party. Just because he signs my checks and supplies me with parts doesn’t mean I’ll burn for him. Someone else is always hiring.

It’s kind of a shame, though. Those new legs had just shown up.

“Call me if you need me; that offer still stands.”

Two hours later I was back at work, making good on my promise and calling in some favors.

“Jess, I know you’ve got a party to set up for, but I need your car. We’ll probably get some good decorations out of it, though.”

“Michelle, I need that solution. Meet me at the station?”

“See? That makes a great centerpiece.”

“Won’t people suspect? It’s too realistic…”

“With the stuff on the market anymore? Slap some red paint on the bottom. People always see what they want to.”

My date will be here any minute to take me to my first Halloween party. Good thing I’m ready. One last look in the mirror will show me what my hours of preparation have given me–perfection.

My costume–perfect. It’s a beautiful black ensemble that will leave him drooling. My hair–perfect. For once, it’s doing exactly as I want. My makeup took ages, but is also perfect. Eye shadow just right and play up the lips.

No one would believe someone that looks this good is dead.

I’m so ready.

As you THUMP can see, THUMP these creatures THUMP are extremely THUMP agitated tonight. THUMP The 31st THUMP of October THUMP is the THUMP night of THUMP their mating. THUMP They are THUMP especially powerful THUMP this night. THUMP The repeated THUMP slamming and THUMP pounding of THUMP their fists THUMP is a THUMP signal of THUMP their anger THUMP towards us. THUMP Thankfully, the THUMP most advanced THUMP techniques and THUMP materials went THUMP into building THUMP these enclosures. THUMP They could THUMP do quite THUMP a bit THUMP of harm THUMP if they THUMP were to THUMP CRASH

Oh, okay, here I am.

Sight? Nothing. Weird. Not dark, not black. You always think that “nothing” is going to be black and endless, but it’s not. It’s… nothing.

Sound? Okay, there’s definitely a sound. Sounds a bit like leaves. Not leaves rustling in a breeze or anything, but leaves nonetheless.

Touch? Well, there’s nothing here to touch. But there’s something under my feet. Feels firm, very solid. It doesn’t feel open; there might be walls.

Smell? Sweet. There’s something sweet. Too sweet. And something else. I wonder what?

Taste? I can’t tell. There might be something in the air. Is there air? There must be, if I can hear something and smell something.

Now, am I safe? I don’t feel any pain, but I can’t be sure. I don’t really feel much. The ground, or the very firm substance where the ground usually is. And… the smell. I can feel the smell. How does that work? It feels… a little slimy.

Hold on, it didn’t feel this way a minute ago. Something is changing. From what? What was happening before I… woke up? Did I wake up? Do I remember being awake?

THAT’S the sound of leaves rustling. It’s completely different from how it was a minute ago. More urgent. And the smell… How can a smell coat you in sludge? I don’t think that’s normal. I guess I’m no expert, though. The ground isn’t as firm. It’s getting sticky. And now it hurts. It’s good to know I can feel things, though. Or not. I mean, it really hurts. Bad enough to make me…

Oh, okay, here I am.

The neighborhood rang with screams and giggles. Trick or treat? When have they ever gone without treats? “Come to the store with Mummy and she’ll buy you a sweetie.” Sticky, shouty little blighters.

“Trick or treat!” I think I’ll take… treat. So trusting and greedy that they don’t even question the invitation inside. Did their parents teach them nothing?

Turns out they do have their good qualities after all, once you’ve gotten them to shut up. Loud and greedy, yes. Also tender and juicy.

“Trick or treat…”

It was so dark. But why? I’d left the lights on, I was sure of it. Ever since…

Keep your head, come on, don’t panic. You can breathe, you can move, so… do it.

Find the lights. Turn them on. Find the damn lights!

Lights, safety. Breathe. Breathe.

Ugh, work. Since when is a costume party mandatory? As if it wasn’t enough to see them when I was paid to… I am NOT crazy, no matter what they say.

They don’t matter. I got the all-clear, people with degrees say I’m ok.

Wait, where did the lights–