Shadows

The streetlight in front of Grandma's house shone through the bare branches of a tree outside the window and cast eerie shadows across Mia's bed. As the wind tugged at the branches, twisted black shadows inched their way over the covers. They look like big, black teeth, Mia thought fearfully. She swallowed. I wish I remembered to bring my night-light from home. Everything seems safer when it's not so dark.

Sounds came with the shadows. A low, moaning sound stole through the bedroom and seemed to settle down right beside Mia. She thought she heard something click underneath her bed. Lying there in the shadows, Mia shivered. That sounds like a giant mouth snapping shut! She drew the covers up to her chin and squeezed her eyes tightly shut. No, I've got to keep them open, she decided. I've got to be ready to jump out of bed! The shadows trembled. "Dear Jesus," whispered Mia, "I'm really scared! I don't want to call Grandma, because I know it's just shadows and sounds and that it's silly