The Monster Within

4. Shut In

After lying in bed for about an hour, I decided to get up. I had some work to do. 

I got dressed and then sat at my table to eat an overly-ripe peach for breakfast.
How fancy..

After I was done, I grabbed some wood and nails, I carried them outside to my porch and set them down. I repeated this a few times until all of the planks were outside.

I walked back into my home and began rifling through some drawers. I couldn't remember where I'd last put my hammer..

I began to search in the most absurd places. Under my bed, behind the shower, in cabinets, and inside my mini fridge.
I couldn't find it.

I panicked. My breathing quickened and I was getting anxious. I needed to make sure I'm boarded up in here.

I stormed outside and plopped down on my porch. I was very frustrated.

My eyes fixated on the grass near me. "My hammer?" I asked quietly as I bent over to pick it up.
Indeed it was my hammer.

I raised an eyebrow, confused on how it got there. But, I shrugged and stood up. I walked over to one of the three small windows I had.

I boarded it up.

Then the next window.

And the next...

I was getting sweaty and tired. I still had my front door and my back door to do. Of course, I'd do my front door last and I'd have to do it from the inside of my home.

I stretched and yawned, lying down on my porch for a few moments.

~~~~~~

When I awoke it was late in the afternoon. I sat up quickly, frustrated that I'd fallen asleep.

That's when I saw that my hair was almost completely white. My fingernails had grown longer.

I shivered the slightest bit, and got up to finish my job.

~~~~~~

I had just finished my back door and was beginning to start the front door. I put the remaining planks inside my house and began to shut the door.

"Hello?" I heard someone call from the woods.

I looked through the crack in my door anxiously. Someone had found my home! I squinted at the person who was tramping through the grass and weeds.

I rolled my eyes and groaned when I recognized the person.

It was Ollie.

"Hello?" He asked again as he approached my porch. Ollie stepped up and knocked on the door, eying the boarded windows questioningly.

"Go away." I hissed through the door.

His eyes widened, "Nellie? Is that you?"

I groaned, "go away, Ollie."

"Wait, are you alright? You sound sort of, off." He stated.

"I don't feel well. Now, go away." I ordered harshly.

Ollie stepped closer to the door, "can I help you?"

"No!" I shouted angrily.

He folded his arms and stood there for a moment. "I'm not leaving until you open the door." He declared seriously.

I rolled my eyes, "go away. Right now."

"No."

"Why do you keep pestering me??" I demanded through the door.

He looked down at his shoes, "it's because you're different. And I can tell that you're all alone." He murmured.

"You don't even know me. Besides, I want to be alone." I growled.

"I could get to know you, if you'd just let me. And, no one should be alone." He argued, and then paused. "I'm not leaving. At least let me see you."

"If you did, you'd be running like hell."

"No I wouldn't." He stated.

I paused and then gave in, "You will stay outside." I commanded.

His eyes lit up. "Absolutely."

I tucked my white hair into my hoodie and then slowly opened the door a crack, peeking my head out.

He studied my face. "You do not look well."

"I know, stupid." I frowned.

"How can I help?" Ollie offered.

"By leaving." I spoke clearly.

He pondered for a moment and tapped his shoe. "Fine. I'll check in on you tomorrow."

"Like hell, you won't!" I growled

"why not?" Ollie asked.

"Just.." I rested my head against the door frame. "Don't. Please don't." I begged.

He nodded sincerely. "Okay. Well, I better go then.. G'night, Nellie."

"Bye." I spoke before slamming the door.

~~~~~~

The sun had begun to set. I finished boarding up the door and I was now locked inside. I was shut in from the world.

The 'snacks' were still on the table. I could eat them after I turned.

I glanced around, only a few dim lights lit up my dark and lonesome house.

I trudged over to my mirror to examine myself. I took off my hoodie.

My hair was completely white. My skin had become pale, and large blackish-purple bags were under my tired blue eyes.

My lips were chapped and cracking, and my face had become thinner. I held up my hands to examine them again. My nails were longer and even sharper.

My gaze returned to the mirror..

"My, my... What have I become?" I sighed.

I walked away from the mirror and sat on the edge of my bed.

"What have I become..?" I chuckled slightly, leaning back and staring up at the ceiling.