Walk In Dark

6.

She doesn't remember when she started counting the thuds. She doesn't remember a lot things. When did she come to bed? How long has it been since she had shut-eye?

The questions frustrate her more than the incessant disturbances.

She unclutches her fingers and steps out of bed. Fear of fear is more deadly. And she is not one to be afraid.

"Who's there?" she asks into the dark. She does not know what to feel when no reply comes back.

She opens the room's door. The hallway lies clear ahead of her, her eyes accustomed to the dark, but not to lack of sleep.

The banister is on the right, and the door to bathroom on the left of the hallway.

She sprints across the hallway, ready to face whatever lies at the end. Good for her, she isn't scared of the dark that awaits her. She sighs in relief. Just to make sure, she peers down the stairs-

Her footing slips, and her elbow hits the step with a thud as she rolls over, tumbling down the stairs.

She is losing sight now. Accustomed to the dark, she sees something shift, and she loses her breath when she hears her voice...

"Who's there?"

From upstairs.