Things that go bump in the night

February 20, 2010

THUD!
My eyes fly open.
Whawazzat? my sleep-addled brain sputters.
I hold my breath and listen.
Nothing.
Did I dream it?
Still silence.
Maybe I kicked something…
I listen for a moment longer
Then start drifting back to…

SWISHSWISHSWISHSWISH
Eyes open again,
I listen again, more intently.
Tree branch against the van?
Moments pass.
Silence.
Dead-of-night, deep-country silence.
I lift my head, slide the curtain up and peek out.
Nothing but black shapes and shadows.
Hmmmm…
I look at the clock.
3:27AM.
I drop back to the pillow and close my eyes.

PLT…PLT…PLT…
I sit straight up, bumping my head.

PLTPLTPLTPLTPLT
Something’s on the roof
Eyes adjusting to the inky dark,
I look toward the skylights near the front of the van.
A dark shape moves.
I slowly lift the blankets
Slide my feet onto the floor
Stand up
Keep my eyes on the skylight.

No more sound.
No more movement.
But something’s definitely there.
I can feel it.
And I have my suspicions.
But no one but Marion would believe me.
I fumble for the camera.
I wonder…
I take three slow steps toward the front…
Slide the camera switch to “on”…
Aim toward the middle skylight…
Adjust the zoom…
Press…
FLASH!
Got him!

Marion didn’t name him “Bubba Bad Boy” for nothing!

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What’s your best “things that go bump in the night” story?

Posted by Melanie 4 Comments

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Comments

1Dad | February 20, 2010

Hey, This is only the beginning of a lot of “Road Test” events.  You passed, but the question now is, ............ “did you go back to sleep ?”

2Bren | February 20, 2010

Loved your story, I am a friend of Marion’s she has spoken of you often.  Have a wonderful journey. I too have done some travelling in “rig” of sorts. The most amazing trip ever. Yes, bubba bad boy is definitely that!

3Marion | February 20, 2010

I’m laughing out loud!  Bubba....  Hope you went back to sleep....

Actually, I thought it was going to be a skunk!  You said Etta James smelled and I began to wonder if a skunk had sprayed her and your camper last night!  Glad it was just my cat who has been obsessed with you since he was an itty boy (climbing up you like a tree about 10 years ago).  Alas, he’s still trying to bond with you after all these years… he will be delighted to see you pull back in the driveway after your gig in Hburg this afternoon.

See you later.

--Marion

4Jon | February 22, 2010

LOL!  Love your writing, Melanie!

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