A Safe Place

I closed my eyes and held my breath. My heart thundered in my chest. I sank deeper into the closet, pulling the sliding door closed behind me. All the light left my world.

Coats and jackets grabbed at me, the darkness sucked me in.

I felt the wall behind me, the farthest corner of the closet. I sank to the floor, pulling what felt like a blanket up against me, as if I was cold.

"Please don't let the find me. Please" I repeated it over and over, as if saying it enough would make it fact. They always found me. I heard voices. Loud voices.

"Come out come out wherever you are." One called. It was close. I jumped but stifled the scream. I pulled the blanket up over my head covering myself completely. I held my breath. My legs felt like jelly and my lungs burned. Tears built in the corners of my closed eyes as I fought to keep calm.

I heard them on the stairs; they were coming for me.

"No…no… please." I pleaded with the shadows. I begged for them to take me away, to hide me completely. It didn't matter where just so long as I was hidden.

I heard the door to the room I was in creak open. It was a good room, it warned me if they were getting too close so I knew to be still.

My heart beat so fast I was sure it would give me away. There was no way they couldn't hear it. I willed my body to be quiet, but my legs shook, my breaths shuddered each time I drew it.

The footsteps padded along the floor. I heard the owner throw back the bed covers. "Got you" It screamed.

Another pair of feet joined the fun. "She's in here somewhere. Find her" The elder of the two voices spoke.

Then it happened. The sliding door of the cupboard opened. I felt the gentle rush of wind as the door slid back. I curled up tighter beneath the blanket – old fur coat – as a warm line tear finally rolled down my cheek.

Everything froze. I was trapped, I was caught. Nothing happened, I let out my breath, relaxed just a bit. Then it was over. One pair of hands grabbed at the blanket and pulled with swiftly away, while the second grabbed me by the leg. The hands finding the top of my thigh straight away.

I screamed.

"Got you now" The voice spoke as the fingers began to tickle. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Ok, Ok, I give… I give. You found me. Now It's your turn to hide grandpa, then Bonnie and I will be the seekers.