#im going to commit arson

It was a brisk november night, the stars polluted to no existence. The moon shone over the place you called home, a place of moral and peace. You wrestled in your comforter, you felt a gnawing tense sensation in your calf making you unable to sleep. The floorboards creaked as you placed your bare feet on them when you swung yourself to the edge of your bed. Thirsty, you thought. Continued down the creaking hallway and stairs you swerved around a cup that nested on the fourth step from the bottom. A cup that was covering a nail that was revealed, you put it there to protect your footing.

Your cat sood on the counter of your kitchen island waiting for you to approach her. She rubbed against your hand with soft purrs, twisting her tail around your arm. You move to the cupboards to grab the same sentimental glass you always grab. The glass looked like a stained glass window, with roses and vines. An aerloom from your grandmother before she passed. you filled the cup with cold cold water from your porcelain sink looking out into the night from your kitchen window as you have the rush of cold water slid down your throat. As you peer into the suburban life of your neighborhood as everything sits still. You notice the neighbor across just to the left has a dim light on, you can see it through their shut blinds.

You ponder to yourself as to what your neighbor, an older woman, would be doing up at 2:45 in the morning. You can see a frantic shadow that appeared in the old woman’s blinds, you nearly choked on the last sip you took. You lean over your sink as the water that rested on your faucet wet your shirt. You nearly touched the window with your nose, fogging it up in the process of your subtle breathing. The shadow paused in the window and slowly stretched its height, blocking the only light source in the house. Your breathing became more frantic as the window continued to fog and blur your sight.

You rushed behind you to grab a towelette to wipe away the fog from the window. It was gone, the shadow was gone, the light was out. The neighbor’s home stood in silence, darkness. You cupped your eyes around your window to see if you could make out anything across the street, Nothing. Just as you expected everything was completely silent, no movement, no sign of life, it was now 3 in the morning. You turn to see your tabby reaching her paw towards you, an indication for pets. You pet her soft head as she continues to purr. Drained, you felt from a restless night of sleep to seeing what seemed to be a tall man standing in your neighbors living room.

You laughed to yourself, “Oh LuLu, I think I'm delusional.” You ran your hand down your cat's back, lifting up her tail as you went. You called Luna “LuLu”, a little nickname from your mother since Luna was a kitten. You placed your glass in the sink upside down and slowly made your way back up the creaking steps to your bedroom. You once more wrestle with your comforter, flipping your pillow to the cold side for a good night’s rest. Little padding feet rush up and jump onto your bed then onto your chest. You look up to see your little LuLu purring on you as you silently drift off to sleep.

The Sun woke you violently above your neighbors house peering into your window. “Shit.” you rubbed your eyes, you forgot to close the curtains before bed. You sat up and stretched every muscle you could think of. You stood up and bent back along with the sound of cracking your spine. You wandered out of your room and down the hall, you took heavy steps down the stairs dodging the cup that rested on the fourth step. You greeted Luna on the kitchen counter again, she purred at every pet you gave. You grabbed the cup that sat upright in the sink, you raised it out and filled it with water again, taking a sip. Looking out the kitchen window once more, your neighbor's house continued to sit still. You placed your cup on the kitchen counter and paced towards your front door, sliding on your house slippers and coat. You walked outside and over to your next door neighbors home. Suzanne and Micheal, a nice older couple who kept their yard green and painted their house yearly with the same monotone gray. You knocked on their door and before the third knock you felt the door start to swing open.

“Good morning Micheal, how have you been? I see you added some ornamental grass along the stepping stones, very lovely.” you gave him a smile. He leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed. “Well im doin’ jus fine kiddo. You see there we got some of them little bluestem grasses by them steppin’ stones. Put them in me-self.” he gave you a nod. Just behind him you see a little old woman waddling over. “Hey there Suzie!” you smiled and waved. “Well you gotta be kiddn’ me! It's our neighbor Mikey! How you doin’ darlin’?” she walked up to Micheal while he swung his arm around her in comfort.

“Thank you Suzie, I'm doing great. I actually came over to ask about the across the street neighbor, house 2901? Did she have company last night? Roughly around 3 in the morning?” you looked at them. Micheal’s face contorted with confusion and Suzie turned pale. “Oh darlin’ I don't think Ms.Hall would have any company, her son lives in Nevada an’ her sister is in Oklahoma, an’ she ain’t comin’ down until another month.” her voice filled with worry. Micheal took his arm off his wife and crossed it once more. “An’ what she doin’ up durin’ the Devil’s Hour?” he grunted, peering over your shoulder at the home in question.

“Okay, well thank you for the information. I may try to go talk to her if things get worrisome.” you waved goodbye and turned to walk back down the stepping stones from their front door. “Hey!” Suzanne shouted for you as you turned, “Be careful darlin’ don’t be messin’ with things that don’t need messin’ with.” you nodded at the both of them and turned back around to walk back home. You opened the door and immediately felt your stomach grumble as you walked towards the kitchen. You went to reach for your glass but it was gone, where was your glass? You wondered. You peered around the kitchen island and saw your once sentimental glass broken into pieces on your kitchen tile. You stood in absolute shock, devastated from something that has been created so long ago in shambles on your kitchen floor.

You pick up a broom and your dustpan and begin to sweep the tiny glass shards from the crevices of your tile. You put it in a plastic bag and into your garbage forever saying your goodbyes to a cup that was older than your 98 year old grandmother. It was like saying goodbye to grandma all over again, you adored her more than anything but now what will she think that her glass that she trusted you with was shattered? You sit on the couch reminiscing about your grandmother, and you couldn't help but cry that the only thing you had from her was gone. Luna brushed against your leg and purred but you pushed her away. “Did you break grandma’s glass!?” you looked at your tabby with tear flooded eyes.

Luna stared at you as she flicked the tip of her tail. “You don’t even know what you did huh? It’s okay baby.” you picked her up and she began to purr in your lap. You wake up with a sharp gasp, “Fuck! When did I fall asleep?” Luna sprung off of you and began to meow. “Oh LuLu I’m sorry I didn’t realize I fell asleep, let me get you some food.” you sprung up from your couch, a loud low growl came from your stomach. “Apparently I need some too.” you grabbed Luna’s cat dish and plopped some wet cat food in it and set it on the kitchen counter. Luna began to gnaw on the food with loud licking noises. “So gross.” you laughed at your tabby while trying to find some human food for yourself in the fridge. You grab some lunch meat and condiments and walk over to the sink. By the sink you had your coffee maker, which next to it sat your bread case. You lifted the lid and out of the corner of your eye you see your kitchen window. You glanced over to peer at your neighbor’s house across the way and there it was again, the dark figure that stood in the window behind the blinds. It had tall and lanky, human-like features in front of a dim auburn light.

You dropped the knife you were using to spread mayonnaise on your bread, splattering all over the counter top. You rush to the window cupping your eyes against the glass to block your sight from your breath. Your cat began to meow loudly, your heart started to clench. “Luna! Hush!” you yelped as you patted your chest trying to focus on the shadow in the window across the way. Luna began to hiss and you quickly turned around “What’s wrong baby?” Luna looked up the staircase into the dark with her fur standing. She made deep threatening growls, you switched on the light from the bottom of the stairs, Nothing.

“LuLu there is nothing there you cranky cat.” You turned back to your window and it was gone, the shadow was gone, the lights out. You let out a sigh, you then continue to make your sandwich and bring it to bed. Creaking up the stairs you went and Luna following behind you cautiously. You sat in bed and ate the sandwich you made, happiness spread on your face with every bite you took. You look over at Luna while she was sitting on the edge of the bed staring at your shut door. She never acted this way, you place your plate on your nightstand and get under the covers. You patted the place next to you to cuddle with Luna before bed but she didn't budge.

You woke up the next morning with a stretch in bed and look over at Luna, in the same position she was last night. Luna seemed as if she hadn't moved since you last saw her. You got out of your bed and grabbed your plate from last night and opened your bedroom door. Luna sprinted out and down the stairs she went and hid behind the wall before the stairs peering her head to keep the steps in sight. “Luna, stop being weird.” you looked at her peering eyes as you heavily stepped down the stairs. You walked over to the kitchen, “I got to go to the store Luna, you need more food and so do I. Then I’m gonna come home and do some work on my computer.” You said looking at her, It seemed like she didn't care for your existence.

“Fuckin’ weirdo.” you placed the plate in the sink to wash later. You peer out your window, police surround your neighborhood. You quickly rush to your front door and get your shoes and coat on and rush outside. Suzanne was talking to some Police Officers in her front lawn. “Suzanne!” you cried out, She looked over at you and patted her tears away. “Oh! Oh my goodness!” she broke out in tears, “Darlin’ Mikey is missin’.” she used her handkerchief to pat her tears. You turned pale, “Missing? Where could he have gone?” You grabbed her hand to comfort her.

“Mikey went to Ms.Hall’s home, He saw it Darlin’, saw her standing there like you said. I told him not to go over there, but he insisted and he haven’t come home!” she continued to cry. A police officer came to check on her “Ma’am we have it under control, we are going to find your husband.” The officer looked over at you, “Do you play a part in this?” you looked at him like a deer in headlights and shook your head. “No, no sir I don’t” the shocked expression in your face says it all, a deep ball of terror infiltrated your stomach. The officer led Suzanne away to talk to her some more. You look over at the home and police are knocking at Ms.Hall’s door, no answer.

You run back inside and grab your keys, maybe the grocery store will take things off your mind, maybe this is just a delusion. You see Luna in the exact same position as you left her, didn’t bother to look at you nor greet you as you came through the door aggressively. You rolled your eyes and shut the door behind you and hop into your car. Getting out of the neighborhood was a nightmare, police everywhere, patrolling the streets and talking amongst themselves. You drive for about five miles before reaching the store. “In and out” you tell yourself. You walk amongst the Animal feed section and try to find Luna’s favorite wet cat food. A store employee walks up and starts stocking the shelves next to you, too close for comfort. You slowly scoot a bit away from the man as you continue your search.

“Are you finding everything alright?” You heard the employee say. You glance over “Yeah im doing just-” as you turn your head towards the employee you fall back in terror. The man had his jaw broken and mouth gaping, his eyes sunken in and neck clearly turned in a way humanly impossible. You let out a terrifying scream. “ma’am, are you okay?” you saw that many employees gathered around you trying to help. You see the once disfigured employee is being comforted by his coworkers, he was also terrified. “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” you got up and quickly ran out of the store and out into the parking lot catching your breath. You rushed into your car and slammed the door shut, running your fingers through your hair.

Your phone begins to ring, the sudden noise makes you jump. “Fuck.” you look over at your phone laying in the passenger seat displaying the words Mom and Dad. You pickup the phone while rubbing your eyes. “Hey” you said over the phone as you stuck your keys in the ignition. “How’s my kiddo doin’? We haven’t talked in a while.” your father spoke over the phone. “Yeah dad, just been busy. Life I guess.” You started your car. “Why are you being short with me? To your poor ol’ dad.” you could hear the plea in his voice. “I just, I don’t know. I’ve had a lot of things on my mind. I might have to take LuLu to the vet, she’s been acting weird lately.” you hear your ignition roar as you start your car. “Well we love you kiddo, please call us sometime soon? Maybe tomorrow?” You let out a sigh “Yeah maybe, love you guys too.” You hung up the phone.

You backed out of your parking spot and began to race home empty handed from the store you came from. You arrive home to a once police flooded neighborhood to a calm and unsettling one. Suzanne’s car was gone from the driveway, must be staying with family you thought. You got out of your car and slammed the door. You unlock your front door and enter your home to flick on the entry light, nothing. “Damn it, fucking power surge again.” You rush into the kitchen to see your other neighbors have lights on in their homes. “Literally why, why me.” you groan as you open the door to your fridge and the light is still on. You quickly rushed to see if the kitchen light worked but nothing happened.

“This makes no sense, then the power isnt fucking out some dipshit must be fucking with my lights. Whatever, I don’t have the time.” you grab Luna’s cat bowl and put the remaining cat food you had and some lunch meat to give her a proper meal. “Sorry Lu, I came home empty handed.” you placed her cat bowl on the counter in her usual spot. Speaking of the cat, where was she? You wandered amongst your home. “Luna! Come here baby, where are you, you little shit.” you yelled out for her and no answer. You continue to walk amongst your darkened home, “Luna this isn’t funny.” you yelled again. You creak up the stairs and hear whispering coming beyond your bedroom door.

You felt a ball drop into your stomach as you slowly became terrified. You slowly creak open your door and enter into your room. You couldn’t help but feel like you just made a terrible decision like those people in horror movies. You hear scratching from your closet door, your heart begins to pound, your body starts to feel like a cold sweat. You swung open the closet door, bracing yourself for whatever was in the closet. You felt a light press against your legs and as you looked down you realized it was Luna. You picked her up into your arms “How, how did you get into the closet and managed to open and shut the door.” you looked at her as she jumped out of your arms, walking out of the bedroom.

You walk down your stairs and into the kitchen, seeing that Luna has already begun to help herself to her food. You look next to her, terrified. It was back, the cup, your antique cup wasn't in pieces as if it never broke. You picked it up, admired it, didn’t have the words conjured to say anything. You quickly put it on your window seal in your kitchen, tears flooded your eyes knowing that something so sentimental to you was back, from all the tiny shards it once was. “You mustn't have broken!” you had a smile reaching ear from ear. Your moment of glee quickly turned as you realized not only was your stained glass cup back from the dead, but the figure was in the window again.

“God fucking damn it, I’m so sick of this shit.” You gained the courage to go over to your neighbors home, sliding on your shoes not bothering to throw on your jacket. It was a cold night, frozen rain touched your skin as you stomped over to the home. “HEY! STOP PEERING INTO MY HOUSE YOU CREEP.” You yelled as you banged on the door. You get onto your toes and look into the home from the window on the front door. The light was still on and you could hear faint music from the home, some 1920’s bullshit you thought. “I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE.” You slammed your hand on the door. The lights went out, and soon after did the haunting old music.

You jumped back, taken aback not knowing there would be any type of response. You huffed and walked across the yard. At the edge of the yard line you hear a creak from your neighbors front door. You instantly turn, “you need to leave me the fuck alone!” You yelled towards the door and immediately rushed back home slamming the door behind you. You slide off your shoes and go upstairs in a huff. “Come Luna, let’s go to bed.” Luna stood at the end of the staircase. “Luna, come on!” You yelled. “Fine, you’re sleeping out here tonight.” You closed your bedroom door and swung your curtains closed.

You awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed that your nights of terror may finally be over. You opened your bedroom door expecting Luna to be sleeping at the base of the frame, she wasn’t. You’ve felt fed up with her antics, her acting strange. You began to walk down the steps but only to see streaked blood patterning the floor. Your stomach dropped, what could’ve possibly bled on the floor and you’re hoping it wasn’t what you were thinking. You turn the corner slowly to see your precious cat, on the living room floor, laying in a pool of her own blood.