You think something's behind you.

You know it's just in your head and that it's probably just the noise of the harsh window outside, but you feel like a creature is behind you, waiting for you to turn around so it can slash its claws into you. But what if you're right? What if it is some wood creature who got into the cabin and is after you?

The thought makes your breathing unsteady and tears spring up in your eyes. You need to get out, but you can't move. You're frozen in place, almost like you have sleep paralysis. The noise happens again, and it sounds closer this time. A tiny groan escapes your lips as you gather the courage to fling the blanket off of your body, eyes half closed as you blindly walk halfway across the cabin in search of the pantry to get into the attic. Shauna, Shauna, Shauna is all you can think of as you scramble up the stairs.

It's so dark even with the light of the window up there, but you can just make out the form of her sleeping body on the floor. You rush over to her, dropping to your knees and shaking her urgently.

"Shauna! Wake up! Shauna, please!" you hiss, gulping down fresh tears. Panic eats at you every second you wait. Slowly, she stirs in her sleep, turning around and rubbing her eyes as she blinks into consciousness.

"What?" she mumbles, a little annoyed to be woken up so late. But once she hears the shakiness in your voice, she's up and giving you her full attention. "What happened?"

"I think there's a monster in the cabin." You're in full hysterics now, all embarrassment of being scared of the dark at your age thrown out the window. You grab her shoulders to steady yourself and bite your lip to keep your sobs in, tasting a metallic taste in your mouth soon after. "It was behind me, Shauna, I swear. I felt it!"

"C'mere," she cups your cheek and grabs your waist, pulling you into her front and hugging you. She lets you sob into her chest and awkwardly caresses the back of your head while trying to think of what to say. "You're safe now. It's not here anymore, okay?"