All We Have Left

Chapter Six: The Nightmares

    Michael tossed and turned in his bed, trying to get to sleep. He went farther under his covers and groaned in annoyance. He hated nights like this; clearly, it would be at least another hour before he dozed off.

    Helpy walked over to Michael's side and sat down beside his head. He played soft music in hopes of helping him fall asleep faster.

    Michael patted Helpy on the head, then shut his eyes and silently waited to drop off. The music helped a little, as did the tiny bear's presence beside him.

    Helpy watched as Michael snuggled into the pillows with a smile on his face, the music continuing to play. Suddenly, it stopped, as he heard something come from outside. His ear peeled to the side as his head soon followed. He used his hands to help him stand, where he stood protectively in front of Michael, doing his best to look as menacing as possible.

    A silhouette slowly crept up to the window from the outside, a large and menacing shadow that moved across the curtains.

    Helpy jumped, a loud beep coming from his voice box. He turned to Michael, shaking his friend in an attempt to wake him up.

    Michael stirred awake and rubbed at his eyes sleepily. "Helpy? Something wrong, buddy?"

    Helpy looked back to the window, blinking when the figure he had seen had disappeared. He raised a brow, a low note playing to display his confusion.

    Michael followed his gaze, sitting up. "Huh." He glanced back down at Helpy. "Did you see something outside? It was probably noth-" He broke off as a far-off bang came from a distant area of the house.

    Helpy once again jumped, running over to Michael and placing his paws on his arm.

    Michael gulped, resting his hand on Helpy's head. "It's okay. I, um, I'm sure it's nothing."

    Another bang came, this one closer. Immediately following rose a different sound, low and soft, a deep laugh that echoed down the hall outside.

    Michael seized, suddenly grabbing Helpy and holding him close. "No. N-no, I..I did not just hear that."

     Helpy once more squeaked, pressing into Michael's chest as he looked at the door with wide eyes.

     Scratching and soft breathing could be heard from the hallway, and it only got closer.

    Michael gripped Helpy tighter, his breath hitching as it grew heavier with panic. "It's not real," he whispered, his voice beginning to quiver. "It's not real, it's not real, it's not real."

    Helpy made a noise similar to a whine, gripping Michael tighter as well. He once again began to play soft music in an attempt to calm Michael down. It was shaky and had a few cracks in it, as he was scared as well.

    Noises that sounded like pots and pans clanging together could be heard coming from somewhere in the house, presumably the kitchen.