What Wilson Saw

A short, but very unsubtle story of fear and fright of being watched in the night..... the ending will get you....

3:47 AM read the red digits on the analog clock sitting on my nightstand. Suddenly awakened from a dream of only moments ago, already lost from my memories. Staring into the dark ceiling, something unsettling sits inside me.... As I lay, thoughts of nothing come to mind. Time feels to be dragging on for an eternity. 

***

I check my clock once more, it only reads 3:48 AM now. Eyes are no longer heavy, sleepiness escapes me. I am no longer comfortable in my bed for I am wide awake. The hum of silence rings in the air, getting louder..louder....louder! Can't take it anymore. Sitting up quickly I pull covers off of my body. I hop out of bed, the chill of the night consumes me. The room still dark as I head for the door. Entering the hallway, I plod slowly to be sure I don't collide with anything. Down the creaky stairs, one step at a time, careful not to disturb what could be hiding within the black night. I reach the end of the staircase, and my feet feel chill on the cool tile. I stand and gaze down the hall leading to the kitchen, I do a frantic dance as I hurriedly skip across the floor in long strides making sure the darkness doesn't grasp me. I arrive in the dark kitchen and quickly flip the light switch. Like a mini-paradise within the gloom of the night, my tiny kitchen radiates a warm light. Before I walk further into the room I always make sure I check my surroundings before I enter. I hate the feeling in the pit of my stomach, the feeling of the fear of the unknown, like something will unexpectedly jump at me when I turn a corner. It tortures me to be so worried of what I do not know. 

I "OK" the room and I continue my journey furthermore. I decide a tall glass of milk will do me good, a classic one would say. I walk over and open up a cabinet full of cups and take out a glass. I close the cabinet, but I stand still. For out of the corner of my eye, I see something... something watching me.. I slowly turn my head to face what creature lays it's eyes on me.... I jump! Only to be frightened by my cat Wilson as he sits on the counter staring at me with his large yellow eyes, my mischievous creature of the night whom I love. A smile crosses my face, "Ah, Wilson! Don't do that! You scared the living daylights out of me!", I stride over to the counter he's sitting on and pet him behind the ears. I feel slightly relieved to have a friend to accompany me in the night now. I continue my task and open the fridge to take out the milk. Through out the process, I realize Wilson hasn't followed me by my foot like he usually does, he still sits on the counter. The strange thing is, he stares at me blankly... as if the emotion has drained out of his face. I think it's quite peculiar because Wilson is never this way. "What's the matter Wilson? Cat got your tongue?", I say trying to make a little laugh out of this oddity. I pour some milk into my glass and return back to the fridge, and I stride over to the small table seated next to the window so I can read a bit before I return upstairs. Still throughout my actions, Wilson stares at me. His eyes feel penetrating, as if he's trying to tell me something but he's petrified. I start feeling uneasy....

*** 

It's been been at least thirty minutes since I sat down with my milk and began reading my hardback copy of "The Count of Monte Cristo", though I haven't been able to concentrate on the text because yet still Wilson stares at me. I feel agitated and now on edge from the zombie type soul my once bubbly friendly cat has. I decide I'll treat Wilson and make him feel better. I place my bookmark, and hop out of my chair to the pantry as Wilson's eyes continue to follow me. After a few seconds I reappear to Wilson's sight, and he continues to gaze at me deeply. In my hands I carry his favorite snack, "Here you go my little gentleman, a strip of smoked salmon will do you good Wilson." With a small smile on my face I prance over to Wilson and set the salmon strip at his paws as I pet him some more. Wilson doesn't even acknowledge the treat I've given him. He continues staring at me. "Wilson what's wrong?..." I whisper in a lowered voice, but then I realize. Wilson was never looking at me...... He's been looking past me.

Author's Note

Wilson the cat is real, she's actually the feline in the photo for this story! And yes, Wilson is a girl. I just made her a boy for story! I hope you enjoy my short story, it's only my second one! I could use your comments and criticism! Thank you :)

Reviews

[Warrior]

Great story telling. This did justice in the realm of getting the message across. Great message. There's lot of times where a story can have a great message to aim for, and have a lot of under lining things but then no one gets it, and if no one gets it, then the point has failed. But in my opinion this did well to get the message across. You made it clear, which is why I think it's good. Keep up the good work. What was also great was that I could imagine the story as I read it, and that is also a strong point of stories. The ability to have the reader imagine it because after all we're reading not watching it, but it was as if I was there as I read this, and that is great. Great visuals and great story telling. It had plot and substance. When you add substance to writing it gets that much better. It gets the reader hooked on it and make them feel as if they are part of it. As long as their is that emotional connection between the reader and the story then it's good. The connection you were able to established in the writing gives the reader a sense of comfortably that they are in tune with the writing. So that way when the writing is over, the reader wants more, and wishes it didn't end. I feel the same way when I watched a movie or tv series that I get so attached to, I never want it to end. And for this writing, I didn't want it to end. You had me hooked, and I am sure everyone else who read it was hooked as well. That is good, that is what you want for people to keep wanting more. The way you put the story together makes me feel like my life is different for that moment in which I read your story. I love it, and it was beautiful. Just keep posting stories like this, and you'll have a good following.

[Zanne]

Great story, I thought it might end that way but I couldn't stop reading. I've known cats that always stare just over the shoulder - it can be weird at times. Anyway, loved the story, well done. :)

[R Smith]

That's great and the end is a treat, a classic of its kind, you write very well and i can see a good future for you, especially if you maintain your work and write, write, write, I failed at that so from experience I can say keep a pen and notebook always by your side, my best wishes to you :)

[InkspotsAndGreyMatter]

Very strong, I did think of Cats ability to spot spirits and such according to ancient egypt. If you have ever had a cat you are familiar with the unique mannerisms.

[NoelHC]

I enjoyed this story, and can see it has strong potential as a start to a mystery or thriller. Now I am going to wonder what Wilson was seeing.
Well done.

[sayed Mudasir Ali]

Great story I must sayand it was a joy to read.

[Kevin]

I love this story! You've improved a lot since The Scarlet Hand (still very good). I can relate because my cat used to freak me out by staring into space. Anywho...enjoyable story :3

[Coyote Poetry]

In ancient Egypt. Cats were used to watch for bad spirits. Their vision is stronger and can see things we cannot. I enjoyed the story of Wilson. Nice tale of mystery and wonder. A strong ending to the excellent story.
Coyote

[Kitten]

Thank you for your kinds words mister Coyote! Wow, I didn't even know that about cats! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[A. Amos]

Very good piece this one. I thoroughly enjoyed your work and ideas within this tale.