Page 73 of Play Pretend

My thumbs hovered over the numbers on my screen. Fuck it.

I dialed 911, and when the dispatcher answered, I nearly sobbed.

“911, what’s your emergency?” Her voice was gentle and coaxing. It was calm, and I clung to that calmness.

“Someone is in my house,” I whispered.

There was a pause. “Someone you know? Or a stranger?”

“A stranger, I think. I don’t know. I’m hiding.”

“Can you give me your address?”

I whispered the address, and there was another pause. “Stay on the line with me, ma’am.” I could hear clicking in the background like she was typing. “Are you in a safe place?”

“I’m in my bedroom closet.”

“Alright. And when did you suspect someone was inside?”

I smoothed my hand over my bare legs. “I can hear them walking around my living room.” My words came out in a barely-there whisper. I didn’t know how she could even hear me.

“I have deputies en route,” she said gently. “Just a little bit longer. What’s your name?”

“Willow.”

“Alright, Willow. I need you to be quiet for me. Can you do that?”

“Yes,” I breathed.

“Good. I need you to stay on the line, okay? Don’t hang up. Just listen to my voice and do everything I tell you to.”

There was a soft scraping sound, and I squeezed my eyes shut. Whoever it was, they weren’t in a hurry.

“You’re sure they’re coming?” I rasped, my voice shaky and breathless.

“They’re on the way, Willow. When they get there, don’t come out of the closet. Wait for them to come to you.”

Something crashed, rattling the entire house, and my body jolted. My heart soared into my throat, and I let out a soft whimper.

Then the noises stopped—everything stopped. I counted the seconds in my head, each one an eternity.

“You’re doing great. Just stay quiet. You’re being very brave.”

I nearly laughed.

I didn't feel brave. I felt weak. I felt pathetic.

I felt scared.

“They’re almost there, Willow,” she said. “Just a little bit longer.”

I could barely hear her as my bedroom door squeaked open. I pressed my palm over my mouth as a shadow emerged from the doorway. A black hood covered his face as he looked around the room.

I watched as he stepped forward. The rug muffled his footsteps as he wandered toward my dresser. His hands were steady as he grabbed my trinket box and opened it. He rummaged through it, tossing seashells and sea glass onto the floor like they were nothing.

Tears silently streamed down my face. My lungs ached from keeping my breathing steady and quiet. All I could hear was my heartbeat thudding in my ears, my blood vibrating in my veins.

He’s right there.

---