You’re right to be ‘paranoid’…

You’re at your keyboard, in front of your computer. You’re reading some article written by a crazed nerd with nothing better to do and you’re happy. Well not exactly ‘happy’, more ‘content’. Yes, that’s right. You’re content.

But what about that feeling? That little niggling thought that’s scratching impatiently at the back of your mind; the one that’s trying to tell you something. It’s trying to tell you about that odd little sound you’ve heard beside you. Maybe it wasn’t something precariously placed on a table falling off, maybe it wasn’t your phone making that strange noise that you’re really beginning to find annoying.

For one thing it was too loud. Like the sound of a booted foot stomping on a hardwood floor or a fist on the window. Also it was too fast; almost like a sudden gust of icy wind at midnight or the heavy fabric of a coat whipping around the corner.

Did you remember to close the door this time? How about the windows? Safely fastened in place? Hmm…maybe you left it open too long. Something always knows the opportunity, always finds it’s way in.

In fact, what’s that at the corner of your eye? Something interfering with the light, something scraping like a knife on a level surface. Better not move if it is: it’ll know and it’ll act quicker. Just don’t move a muscle. Someone will be along in a bit, I’m sure. Unless, of course, you’re alone. If that’s the case then you’ve really only got yourself to blame if something does happen, don’t you? All on your own in a big lonely house late at night. It’s almost like they know, isn’t it? Almost.

Then again, that’s probably not the case. Strange beasts and mad men don’t often wander the streets nowadays, do they? You’re safe, perfectly safe. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Don’t you?