Under My Bed

Under My Bed My name is Tommy. I’m ten years old, and I have a secret. There’s a monster that lives under my bed. I wake up screaming every night. My mom and dad tell me there isn’t a monster under my bed, but I know the truth. It’s there, terrorizing me every night. He comes out from under my bed and tortures me. He leaves scratches and bruises on me; but when I show my parents, they say I probably fell out of bed. The terror starts when the lights go out with a flick and the door closes with a click. Soon, I hear the tap, tap, tap coming from under my bed. I can almost see those giant, glinting claws tapping against the polished hardwood floor. Tap. Tap. Tap. The tapping becomes more persistent and that’s when I hear it. The low grumble of the monster saying, “Close your eyes, Tommy.” I know what will happen if I close my eyes. The monster will come out and torture me just like he’s been doing since we moved here last month. I don’t know why he tortures me or why he’s here. The low grumble comes again, “Close your eyes, Tommy. Do it now!” He’s getting angrier; I can hear it in his voice. I know if I close my eyes now, the torture will be much worse. I must not close my eyes tonight. “SHUT YOUR EYES NOW, TOMMY! DO IT NOW!” roars the monster. The roar scares me, and I accidentally close my eyes. I shut them so tight I begin to see purple spots and that’s when I realize what I’ve done. I try to scream, but no sound comes out. The monster has taken my voice. Then, I feel a thumping from beneath my bed. Thump. Thump. Thump. The monster is trying to get out. Thump. Thump. Thump. I close my eyes again and pray that it won’t be too bad tonight. “Thank you for listening to me, Tommy. But you did not obey me the first time. Tonight’s torture will be much, much worse,” says the monster in his low, rumbly voice. I’m very terrified. I try to yell, but no sound comes out. I want my mom and dad. I open my eyes and see the monster slowly coming towards me. The