Its following me

Clapping

But now, I was in the hallway, the corridor that separates the guest bathroom from the living room. I was walking towards the living room, so slowly it seemed there was something wrong with me. As if I were slowly passing out. I dragged my feet against the rugged, aged carpet.

It was nighttime, and I was alone. The window was broken, the delicate glass scattered across the floor. Out of the opening, a bright white light shone through.

Shock seared through me. I knew something was inside. But I couldn't move. Everything was so slow—had someone drugged me?

I couldn't move. Where was my father? I shouted for him.

I made no sound.

The entire house was pitch black, except for the light from the window.

I wobbled back from where I came.

It felt like I was underwater.

I prayed I could get to my parents' room and lock the door.

But I moved so slowly. In the bathroom, in front of me, I saw in the mirror—something behind me.

Humanoid, the height of a man just a bit taller, smirking at me.

I dragged myself through gravity, not caring how ridiculously low my chances of survival were. I forced myself forward.

The creature moved at the same pace as I. Its legs slow but its arms fast.

As it clapped.

It stared at me and clapped.

Which made me question, can it go faster? Is it just feeding off my fear, waiting until it's satisfied to suddenly run at me?

Clap... clap... clap...

I made it to my mother's room.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The monster grew faster.

Clap clap clap.

It didn't allow me to close the door; it forced itself through, its body wedging the door open.

I ran from it and onto the bed. It approached but not too close.

Only to the corner of my bed where it stared at me. Eyes wide, hands large, sickening smile.

It stalked me.

It visibly wanted something more. But it didn't dare.

It only stalked me.

And then I woke up.