This is the fourth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II and Part III before continuing.
The demon came back.
Abigail could see it moving about the room. It didn’t think she could see it, since it kept to the dark corners and moved behind the curtains and tapestries. But she saw it. Her eyes were not deceived by the darkness and she noticed the curtains and tapestries moving, despite the lack of wind.
“It’s come to take my baby,” she whispered to herself.
“No one has come to take your baby. We’ve made sure you’re completely safe in here,” said a voice – a voice Abigail thought she remembered but couldn’t place.
“It is,” said Abigail. “I see it. Look! It’s behind the curtain!”
“It’s the wind, darling.”
“What wind? There’s no wind in here. There’s never any wind in here!”
“Look. I’ll show you, but only because there’s no moon tonight.”
Abigail heard more rustling and pulled her blankets over her face so just her eyes peered over the covers.
The curtain was pulled back, and Abigail saw the night sky. The voice had been right about there not being any moon, but the stars shone just bright enough to show Abigail the open window, and next to it her mother. She knew she had recognized that voice.
“Satisfied?”
Abigail nodded, feeling ashamed of her childish fantasies.
“Now, no more talk of demons. Such thoughts will deform the baby. Remember to think only of strong, happy, healthy things – for the sake of your child.”
Abigail nodded, and with the certain fear so suddenly replaced by certain safety, she quickly dropped off to sleep.
To be continued…