Someone Is Walking Around In My House

Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What if? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers prompts —

The Exercise —

You're taking a shower in your house or apartment. You are not expecting anyone, and the front door is locked (the bathroom door is not). You hear a strange noise in a rooom beyond the bathroom. Now, take it from there for no more than two pages. This can be in either the third or the first person. Don't spend any time getting into the shower; you're there when the action begins.

The Objective -

To tell a convincing story centered on speculation and terror.

When I heard the noise in another part of the house, I was confused. I locked the door. I quickly stepped out of the shower to check things out. I left the shower running so if there were an intruder, they wouldn't think to hide, as I was not aware of their presence.

For years, I have hoped that this would never happen to me. I have always thought that I could kill someone as my adrenaline starts to pump. After all, I did pick a guy up with one arm once. That fear hasn't left me. I guess I mean that I am more afraid for the intruder than I am for myself.

So, I will wrap a towel around me, head for the gun in the bedroom, and head for the living room. I have no plans to shoot, but to cause enough of a scare to get the person to leave. No one even knows I am home, as I wasn't supposed to be back for several days yet.

And, if they heard the shower running, wouldn't they know I'm home? Okay, well, whatever, I just have to move now that I have my gun. Maybe I should warn them that I have a gun by hollering. No, that's probably dumb. As I ease into the hallway and down the stairs, I am checking all directions.

Suddenly, I see something out of the corner of my eye. I think, did I just see that? I did, it was a mouse. At least I hope it was just a mouse. It was big, but not that big?? It couldn't have been a rat, right?

Just wait until I tell this story to friends and family. They will never try to surprise me by coming into my house unannounced!