Prologue
I woke suddenly from a deep sleep. I hate it when that happens because it takes so long to fall asleep again. I turned on my back and tried not to move which sometimes helped. As I was lying there I heard a strange noise. I stayed still listening for a long time. Just as I was about to go on to other thoughts more pressing, I heard it again. What was it? It sounded like it was coming from downstairs. Were mom or dad up? I climbed out of bed. Oh! That was cold. The floor was freezing! I felt for my socks that I had thrown on the floor when I went to bed and put them on. I went to the door and opened it quietly. I'm not sure why, but at night, when the house is dark, I don't like to make that much noise. I couldn't see any light coming from downstairs but since I was up I might as well raid the fridge.
I padded to the stairs and went down the stairs slowly. Whenever I can I like to go up or down the steps really slow because I'm usually rushing. When I was about half way down I saw two figures come from the hall. Who would be in the hall this time of night? I stopped unsure of what to do. One of the figures turned on his/her? heel and went back into the hall. When they returned they were carrying a large flat package. One of my dad's paintings? What was going on? All of a sudden it hit me. These people were burglars! And me, stupid me, had stumbled upon them in the act! I knew that I could not be seen! Who knew what would happen if I was. I stood perfectly still not daring to even move further into the shadows. Who knew, one of them might have a gun. Oh, God please help.
I stifled a scream when hands reached out and grabbed me. I apparently wasn't quite successful because both men turned. They seemed to be looking straight at me. I was sure I would be found, but then again maybe I already was. I didn't know who was holding me. They might be partners with those who were staring at me. But if they were, why were they hiding too? It didn't make sense.
The men, from appearances, must have decided that they had just been spooked or something, turned away. They picked up the packages that leaned against the wall and left through the front door. There was something wrong with that; but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I twisted around in my holder's grasp, my previous thought forgotten. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but what met my eyes was horrible. My heart jumpstarted. It was a man; at least I was pretty positive it was a man from the build of his body. I couldn't quite tell though because his face was so disconfigured. He leered at me and clapped a cloth that reeked over my face. His nasty, beady eyes held what could be called a twinkle. A decidedly evil twinkle. Oh God please keep me safe, Please help!