Who's there?

Stayed much beyond the office hours today,
a computer game I’d started to play,
level by level, past demons I did creep,
finding potions to make the monsters sleep.

At last triumphant, the last bastion fell,
the Princess released from villainous spell.
I looked up to find sullen silent walls,
A humming fax line, and echoing halls.

The grey skies outside darken the window,
Like animal eyes in dark, headlights glow,
Hasty departure is what is called for,
I estimate the best route to the door.

Feet outrace the gallop of timid heart,
Queasy stomach balks and heaves at the start,
The eyes gyrate wildly, as for the ears –
They’re pricked upright, even whispers to hear.

Shuffle along, back braced against the wall,
Alternated with a scrambling crab crawl,
Courage returning, fighting off the scare,
Hall light beckoning, we are almost there.

A loud groan, a rattle, the beast is here,
My faint heart surrenders, no match for fear,
Ammoniac smell and lavender too,
Have I just died? Grandma, can that be you?

“Ma’am, wake up! We’re just the night cleaning crew!
Sorry, our cart sort of bumped into you!”