I reached the top stair and I lay there on the floor, my chest heaving and my skin dampened with perspiration. I was tired and wanted to sleep. I rolled over to stand up and felt the chill of the basement floor again, it was slowly rolling up the stairs, it reached for my feet but I drew them up under me. I heard the shuffling then, and felt the cold air draw up over my lap. I looked over the top stair down into the darkness, I could see the hole. My monster smelled like beer and diesel fuel, I’d always remember the feel of the cold linoleum against my face as my monster dragged me back to my bed.
Vote for this Short Story
Voting Status
Countdown to 500
492
votes remaining
- 20 Votes – Manuscript evaluation completed by curator with editorial comments
- 25 Votes – Publishing contract offer
- 200 Votes – Eligibility for a reader newsletter feature
- 500 Votes – Eligibility for a double royalty
*More than 25 votes are not needed, but are encouraged, and will earn you additional benefits