Uncanny Presence Chapter 4

Anthony woke up sweating profusely. Although the room was slightly dark, he could see the windows. Taking deep breaths, he realized that he had a nightmare. Even then he was afraid that he would see the woman in his room. He hesitated to turn to the other side of his bed thinking that she might be behind him. With his heart beating fast, he gathered courage and turned around muttering ‘Please don’t be there, please don’t be there!’. On turning around, he didn’t see anyone.

Anthony switched on the room lights and looked around. He got up and started searching the entire house frantically. He even kept a stick in his hand just in case he were to find someone. He later checked if his neighbours were awake. After reaffirming that there was no one present, Anthony went back to his room and wondered whether he should go back to sleep. Scared that he might have another nightmare, he decided to stay awake. He opened his laptop and started watching videos online. Despite the room lights being on, Anthony couldn’t shrug off the feeling that someone was watching him.

Suddenly, the room lights went off and the fan stopped working. Anthony looked up and then he heard a roar in his ears. Although it came from the video that he was watching on his laptop, Anthony closed his eyes immediately and screamed, “Stop it! I give up, please don’t hurt me. Just stop!” His heart was beating against his chest and Anthony was on the verge of crying. There was complete silence in the room. Slowly, Anthony opened his eyes and saw his laptop. The video that he was watching had paused with the picture of a tiger visible on the screen. He shut his laptop and looked around.

Frustrated, he stood up and shouted, “Where are you? Come out! Show me who you are!”. There was no response. Soon the lights came on and Anthony sat back on his bed. After a while, he went to the bathroom and washed his face. He then looked at the mirror and observed his reflection. But Anthony felt that there was someone behind him. ‘This is the same presence I have felt since that day. Is it the same woman? What does she want from me? Is she playing games with me like the ghosts in movies?’ Anthony thought.

Anthony turned around quickly but yet again, he didn’t see anyone. Frustrated he looked back at the mirror. He stared at his own reflection and waited in anticipation for the ghost to appear behind him. But as time passed by, all Anthony saw was his own reflection. And then a thought hit him. ‘It’s just me, there is no one else here.’ Anthony went back and sat on his bed. ‘What if all this time it has only been my own mind that has been tricking me? But why? Stress? Fear?’ Anthony wondered. ‘Am I really afraid of being by myself? Do I feel insecure if I am left alone? Has work pressure also contributed to it?’ he thought.

He slowly lay back on his bed, thinking about the solution to his problem. ‘I think I should accept the fact that I am truly afraid of myself. But I shouldn’t be now. What harm can I do to myself? I should also stop worrying about my future and just do my best.’ He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

As the sun was rising, its light spread in the room. Anthony woke up and moved towards the window. He opened them and felt the cool morning wind against his face. Looking towards the sun, he was breathing calmly and absorbing the heat. He felt a hand on his shoulder but didn’t panic as it felt warm and friendly. Anthony smiled and continued looking towards the sun.

******************************The End ********************************************