More Halloween spirit…

Tammy tucked Greg in and kissed his forehead. “Now, remember: don’t get out of the bed. Don’t even touch the floor with your toe, or the monster under the bed will get you. Okay?”

Greg nodded. “Thanks, Tammy. I won’t.”

“Promise?”

Greg solemnly drew an X on his chest. “Cross my heart.”

“Hope to die?”

“Stick a needle in my eye.”

Tammy ruffled the boy’s hair. “You’re a pretty cool kid, Greggie. I’ll be downstairs. Holler if you need me.”

“Night.”

“Night.” Tammy switched off the light and closed the door.

Greg waited a moment before turning on his nightstand lamp. He pulled the bag of jelly beans from its hiding place in the mattress and tossed one onto the floor.

A giant claw stole out from under the bed and grabbed the candy.

Greg leaned down. He could hear the hideous beast breathing. As long as he didn’t touch the floor, he was okay. “Are you ready?”

“She’s in the living room?”

“Yes, she’ll be talking to her boyfriend. Make it quick and don’t leave any mess.”

The creature rumbled a laugh. “There will be no blood.”

“Good. Eat her backpack and all her schoolbooks, too. It has to look like she left.”

“I will devour everything.”

“Okay, let’s get it over with.”

The monster slunk out from under the box spring and crept stealthily to the doorway. Greg tossed another jelly bean. The beast snapped it up in its mouth.

Greg smiled. “Remember, there’s more where that came from.”

The creature nodded and oozed underneath the door.

Greg smiled to himself and left the bag of jelly beans on the floor. Soon, he was fast asleep.

He looked like a little angel.

Copyright 2007 Amy Frushour Kelly. All rights reserved.

Reproduction by any means prohibited without prior written consent.