Chapter 6: The Night Terror

Lying in bed, I kept sneaking glances at my wife, breathing steadily beside me. I reminded myself over and over not to fall asleep.

I watched her chest rise and fall, each breath so normal, so human. I tried to match her rhythm, hoping it would calm me. But my mind wouldn’t slow down.

If she really meant me harm, I had to be ready to run. I pictured myself leaping up, bolting for the door. It sounded ridiculous, but I didn’t feel safe in my own home.

After all, she was just a woman—no way she could overpower me, right? I flexed my hands, tensed my muscles. If it came to it, I could fight her off. But it didn’t comfort me.

The silence was so thick I could hear my own heartbeat, pounding louder and louder. The fridge cycled in the kitchen. Somewhere, a car door slammed. Otherwise, nothing. The quiet pressed in, heavy and cold.

Just as I thought my heart would explode, my wife moved beside me.

I froze. Every muscle locked up. I forced myself to breathe slow, shallow breaths.

I squeezed my eyes shut, pretending to sleep, but every muscle was taut, ready to spring.

My ears strained for any sound. I felt her shift, the mattress dipping.

“Honey.”

Her voice was soft, almost sleepy. I didn’t move.

“Honey, are you awake?”

She leaned in, snuggling against my chest. Her hair brushed my chin. For a moment, I let myself believe things were normal.

My anxiety eased a little. Maybe that guy online was just messing with me, and my wife had woken up naturally.

She felt warm, familiar. Her breath had a hint of peppermint toothpaste. My body relaxed, just a little.

Just as I was about to hug her, I felt something cold and damp crawling up my neck. It left a slimy trail—just like…

An earthworm.

For a split second, I thought I was dreaming. Then the sensation grew, unmistakable. My skin crawled. I was frozen in terror.

Cold sweat drenched me, and then my consciousness began to fade. It was like being dragged underwater—everything went dark at the edges.

In the last moment before darkness swallowed me, I heard my wife’s voice:

“Brother, looks like he’s almost done for. He sweated so much so quickly—good. You’ll be back with me soon.”

Her words barely registered, muffled by the roar in my ears. I tried to move, to scream, but nothing happened.