It Whispered, "Continue."

When I went into sujud, I heard breathing, not mine, behind me.

Slow, heavy, too close. At first, I told myself it

was nothing. Maybe the pipes, maybe my heart. But then, I heard fabric move,

like someone adjusting their clothes right behind me. I froze. Because I live alone,

I didn't turn around. I didn't stop praying. I don't know why, but something in me knew if I looked,

I wouldn't like what I saw. So, I kept praying. My voice was shaking.

My mouth was dry. And then, I heard it whisper, "Continue." That word didn't

come from my thoughts. It didn't sound human. It sounded close, too close.