They Lurk

An original flash fiction horror story

Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash

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Monsters do not exist. They are only myths.

Devin repeated this fact to himself whenever day turned to night. Nothing lived in darkness that didn't also live in light.

He shared these same thoughts to Peter after panicked late-night screams brought him into his son’s bedroom. His son refused to accept an adult's explanation behind creaky floorboards and an unsettling shriek he claimed he heard.

“Something is hiding in this room,” Peter insisted, voice trembling.

“You probably had a bad dream, nothing more.” Devin patted his son's shoulder. “Go back to sleep.”

He wished Erica didn't need to spend all week at that conference. His wife possessed a knack for soothing Peter by saying all the right things. Devin did his best to mirror her calm demeanor as he tucked the blanket around his son's shoulders. Peter's eyes were still as large as plates and his lips trembled.

“Daddy, can you check for monsters under my bed?”

A slight tremor infused his son's question. Devin offered him a reassuring smile and nodded. He would do what he needed to do to set the little boy's mind at ease.

“Of course, that always tops my bedtime to-do list.”

He dropped to his knees and braced his left hand against the mattress. Devin peeked underneath the bed. His eyes locked on his son Peter. A pair of terrified eyes greeted him.

“Daddy, a monster stole my bed,” he whispered. “Help me.”