Shivers

Unease

Clara had just arrived at the Greene's house. She was a bit disappointed to be missing out on the biggest party of the year, a Halloween party too. But the babysitting money was too good to pass up, especially with college looming.

"Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Greene! Have fun!" she called out, trying to mask a hint of disappointment. She stood at the front door of their house. It was more of an old mansion really, but she preferred referring to it as a house to chase away the creeping sense of unease.

Mrs. Greene offered a faint smile. "Thank you, Clara, for taking this on such short notice. My mother fell ill and couldn't make it."

"No problem at all! I hope she feels better soon," Clara replied sincerely.

"Thank you, dear," Mrs. Greene said, turning to her daughter. "Goodbye, sweetheart. Don't stay up too late, alright?"

Then, in a hushed tone to Clara, "Please keep the balcony door locked. Elsie's been sleepwalking again."

Clara nodded confidently, "Don't worry, I will double and triple-check it!"

Every time she babysat for the Greene's she made sure to keep the balcony door locked, as Elsie's sleepwalking had become more frequent since they moved into the new 'house'.

An eerie silence settled over the house once the Greenes left. It was unnerving, the silence on Halloween Eve especially, sending shivers down Clara's spine.

Determined to shake away the chills, Clara turned to Elsie with a bright smile on her face.

Elsie, unlike most children, was a quiet soul, preferring the company of books to boisterous games.

"Soo, Elsie," Clara began, her voice warm, "did you manage to trick-or-treat?"

A small nod. "Yeah."

Clara, remembering Elsie's initial hesitation, pressed on. "What were you dressed up as?"

Elsie's face brightened. "A fairy princess! Mommy even let me put on sparkly makeup!"

"Oh my! I bet you were the most magical-looking fairy princess out there!"

"I was," Elsie admitted shyly, "but some of the costumes scared me, so I only went to a few houses."

Concern flickered across Clara's face. "Aww, sweetie, it's okay. They're just costumes, remember? They can't hurt you."

Elsie's lip trembled. "I know, but they're based on scary creatures, and that's what scares me the most." Tears welled up in her eyes.

Clara pulled Elsie into a warm hug. "You're safe here, Elsie," she whispered soothingly. "Nobody can get you here. How about we relax with a movie?"

Elsie's eyes lit up. "Yes, please! And can we eat some of the treats I got too?"

"Of course," Clara chuckled, "but not too much candy before bed, or you'll be wide awake all night!"

Elsie giggled. "Don't worry, I wasn't planning on eating much anyway."