The Whisper Man

by Alex North

A little boy who had disappeared was beginning to disappear for a second time.

“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.” “And the rest.” Jake closed his eyes. “If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.” “Keep going.” She sounded barely there now. “If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.” “And?” The word was so quiet that it might have been nothing more than air. Jake swallowed. He didn’t want to say it, but he forced himself to, speaking as quietly as the little girl just had. “If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.”