I awoke to silence, my heart beating a frantic rhythm and my blood thrumming in my veins.

The lamp was still on beside the couch. My unfinished book lay sprawled across my chest where I'd dropped it, and the muted TV was still playing reruns of my favorite show.

What woke me...?

Propping up onto an elbow, I strained my hearing to detect anything unusual.

Nothing--not even the familiar pops and creaks normal to this old house.

"Okay... no more late-night reading for me," I muttered.

"What's the matter?" a deep, gravelly voice whispered behind me. "Couldn't sleep?"

To be continued...

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Thought I'd try my hand at something creepy and suspenseful. How did I do? I'd love some feedback.

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Source image- https://www.flickr.com/photos/goss1/6225448803