It's Time

Bedtime

Once I was done cleaning up after dinner, I headed straight to my bedroom. The day had been an overwhelmingly exhausting one and I wanted nothing more then to lay down in my bed, fall asleep, and simply leave all of my troubles behind in the real world.

I take a quick shower, then change into something more comfortable to sleep in before turning out the light and slipping under the warm covers of my bed. I let out a relaxed sigh as I closed my eyes, ready to drift off. That's when I heard it.

Tick ...
Tock ...
Tick ...
Tock ...

I opened my eyes, staring up at the ceiling in the dark as I just listen to the noise in utter silence.

Tick ...
Tock ...
Tick ...
Tock ...

It had to have just been the clock, that's the only thing in the house that would make that noise. But then why is it so ... unsettling ... to listen to tonight? Why now, of all nights, would it seem so loud in this empty house? Maybe it was simply the fact that today had put me so at edge, that even the sound of the clock is driving me up the wall. 

I sit up, reaching over and turning on the bedside lamp. I stare at my clock as the sound continued to echo through the bedroom. The noise became unbearable, I felt like it was trying to drill into my head. With a slightly agitated growl, I get out of the bed and crossed the room, grabbing the clock and quickly taking out the batteries. 

I placed the clock and the batteries onto my dresser, then went back to bed. I turned out the light and then closed my eyes, waiting for sleep to wash over me. 

I drifted off to sleep, only to be awoken a few hours later by a familiar sound ...

Tick ...
Tock ...
Tick ...
Tock ...