Footsteps on the Stairs

Footsteps. Heavy footsteps climbing her stairs. She was home alone, paralyzed in bed

as her doorknob twisted violently. The intruder was inside her house. She'd already called

her father, whispering frantically before hiding under her bed. The bedroom door

splintered open. Boots stomped across her floor, searching. Her heart pounded

so loud she was certain he'd hear it. Drawers crashed. Closer.

Closer. Then suddenly, sirens. Shouting. Her father's voice

booming through the house with police officers. The intruder bolted. She emerged shaking

as her dad pulled her into his arms. The nightmare was over, but she'd never