Laughing in the Dark

            There’s something lurking in the corner of my room. As of yet, it will not speak. I don’t know if it means me harm, but it keeps me awake at night. When I first moved into this room, I would wake up at night fists up, expecting an intruder, seeing nothing.

            I think I feed it, giving it strength. When I am walking the tightrope, he comes out to say Hi.

            Perhaps I should make friends. Leave it treats. Maybe it’s cold. I put the space heater in the corner.

            It has been a while since I’ve had this kind of company. Does it have a name? Maybe I’ll call him Charlie…

            It beats sleeping alone.