Shannon Costello

It was dark and quiet—too quiet. I became aware that there was a presence in the bedroom with me…I could feel its little legs crawling up my arm.

I gasped and thrashed, frantically brushing at the sheets. I turned on the light.

He was sitting there, on the corner of the bed, antennae waggling slowly, horrible spidery legs gathered for his next spring. I detest giant crickets.

I swatted him away and turned out the light.