Monster in the Closet

"Daddy, there's a monster in the closet"

“Honey, I’m home!” I shouted from the front door as I slipped my shoes onto the nearby shoe rack. Maybe they’re asleep, I thought, its already past midnight… Looking at the clock a sense of disbelief coursed through my veins. I have been coming back late almost every day because of an important assignment I have at work. The boss says if my performance is tip-top he will promote me.

But sadly because of all the workload I have to complete before going home, my quality time with my family has been on and end. My daughter’s birthday was yesterday and I could not make it back home because my boss had made me stay back whereas my wife and I have been into heated arguments about me coming back late and not spending enough time with the family.

I understand that Debby is going through a time where she really needs her parents by her side. However, what can I do? I really want the promotion. Our family’s budget is nearly going over the top from the medications my wife takes to cure her illness.

Before we moved into this house one month ago, things were fine in our old home. My wife has never caught anything serious because of her fit and healthy lifestyle she lives and Debby was always smiling and giggling in the hallways.

Since we moved into this house, things have changed. My wife gets sick easily and Debby is always having a gloomy face on. As for me, I suddenly get scolded by my boss and get unreasonable excuses from him to make me stay back and work more. Yes, indeed I willingly took up the project to get a promotion but I never knew it could work me to my bone.

Creeping up the creaky stairs, I let out a sigh as I untie my neck tie. Upon reaching the second floor I notice Debby’s room door is slightly ajar. I creep quietly into her room, checking whether to see if she is asleep. Since it is well past midnight, she better be!

Moving to her bedside, her eyes lay wide open. She turn her head towards me and said in a scared voice, “Daddy, there’s a monster in my close.” I let out a warm smile and kissed her forehead before walking over to the closet, “I promise you there are no monsters here”

Reaching out for the closet handle I pull it open. “Dad, there’s someone in my bed.”

It is Debby! Hiding in the closet, trembling in fear. I am very certain that this little girl is my Debby because of the look in her innocent eyes that I know well.

If Debby is inside the closet, then who is the girl standing behind me…?