The Guest 414 word ct Flash Fiction Friday

Lacey had fallen asleep with her Ebony Magazine and her glass of wine that still sat properly in her hand. She was awakened by a loud knock. She glanced over at the clock and it was 3:33 am. The house was quiet for some reason; her older son was usually awake watching videos on YouTube. Lacey finished off her wine and brushed it off. Then, she heard it again. It seemed to come from the balcony of master bedroom. She got up cautiously and placed her glass on the dresser.

“Josh, is that you?” She whispered. There was no answer. She walked towards the doorway and peered out. To her surprise the house was dark. Suddenly, three knocks came from the balcony door. This time she knew she wasn’t dreaming. Quickly, she turned in the direction of the balcony.

“Josh, I know you’re out there, stop!”

Now frightened, she walked slowly towards the balcony. Josh had always been a prankster but it was past 3 am. She looked through the sliding doors and then slowly opened it. No one was on the deck, just the soft wind and her two large rocking chairs that swayed back and forth.

“Thank goodness.”

She quickly shut the door and walked back to her bed. As Lacey shut the light off, she heard heavy footsteps walking down the hallway. She paused and held her breathe. Her palms were clammy and her heart began to pound. Lacey tiptoed back towards the doorway.

“Josh! Where are you?” she yelled out, “Josh!”  Momentarily, Josh walked into the hallway.

“Mom, why are you yelling at this time of night?”

“Josh I know that’s you trying to scare me.”

“Mom, I went to bed at 12. I have to get up early. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

And then, Lacey saw her. A naked woman that was so thin she looked as if she were a walking skeleton. Her breast hung like half-filled water balloons. Her wrinkled face had a distorted smile, exposing her toothless gums.

“Josh, watch out!!” Lacy yelled.

Suddenly, the woman let out a piercing scream and then grabbed Josh off of his feet and into his room. Then, the door slammed. Lacey rushed to Josh’s room and yanked on his door until it opened. He was gone. The only thing that was there was a foul smell that the woman left behind. Lacey knew it was her fault because she had opened the door, the balcony door.