The Thing of Nightmares

Am I still dreaming? Surely not, if I’m asking that question? Whatever suddenly stirred Amy from her sleep, left her feeling unnaturally stilled, sweaty and with her heart pounding fiercely against her chest. The noise downstairs came again.  This time, it was the clear thud of something being knocked over. Amy froze. She tried to quieten her heartbeat which she was certain was now louder than any other noise in the house. Her focus was shaky, but she was also sure she could not see her phone on the bedside charger. Think, damn it! Did I leave my phone downstairs? With this thought, Amy felt a horrible panic set in. Her phone, wallet, and all her keys had been lazily discarded to the kitchen island. She’d been so tired when she got home, she’d damped these, her shoes, scarf and jacket across the benchtop and headed straight to bed. Shit, as she listened to footsteps on the stairs.