False Alarm

         I heard the wailing of the siren over the loud buzz of the music belting into my ears via a pair of bud headphones. It rang through me, getting louder and louder as I approached my house. I pulled one bud from my ear by the wire, the cacophony instantly shrieking in my ear. I rushed the last couple of feet, eager to get inside and switch off the alarm to prevent the neighbours from starting a witch hunt.
         Slipping the key into the lock, twisting furiously and yanked the handle down. The door open, I nipped inside and ran across the room, punching the four buttons on the box to switch off the alarm. The noise stopped automatically and I heaved a sigh of relief. All I could hear was muffled noise still emanating from my headphones as they hung from my coat pocket. I slumped into the chair and began to fish my phone out of my pocket to switch off my music when the thought hit me.
         The alarm was going off. But why?
         Setting my bag down I was suddenly cautious.
         Somebody's in the house.
         I wasn't sure what to do. My first thought was to call someone, but then if there was someone in the house, they'd be able to hear me. Plus, if there wasn't, I'd look stupid.
         Deciding on bravery, I began to creep through the house, checking the downstairs first. I made my way to the darkened passage, my feet soft on the tiled floor. Off the passage the three doors that led into other rooms remained dark, the white painted door ajar. Gently I pushed the first inwards until it hit the wall. I switched on the light anyway. The second door on the left I did the same, hearing it bounce on the soft plaster wall behind. In the bathroom I stepped inside and grabbed onto the shower curtain, taking a deep breath before jerking it back. The bath tub was empty. I let my breath out and pulled the light cord. The bathroom was illuminated and cheerful as I turned to face the last room, the kitchen complete with sliding door. I curled my fingers around the edge of the door and slid it back quickly, wanting it over and done with. I scanned the dark room looking for odd shapes, silhouettes. I couldn't see anything out of place. I flicked the light on and took another look. I felt satisfied that nobody was downstairs.
         Now for upstairs.
         I moved back through to the living room quietly and began my ascent. I felt my feet gently padding on the soft plus carpet. I made my way upstairs, my breathing shallow and quiet. I avoided the penultimate step, knowing it had a tell tale creak.
         On the landing at the top of the stairs three dark doors greeted me. All three stood ajar with nothing but blackness visible beyond. I opted first for the door on my right. I stepped towards it, pushing it gently aware that none of these doors would hit a wall behind. I pulled on the light switch and poked my head around the door scanning the room. Nothing at first sight. Cautiously I stepped further in checking in the open wardrobe, pushing the clothes along the sliding rail. I checked the other side of the bed too. Nothing.
         Without relaxing I made my way to the next room, repeating the same process. This was the spare room, cold at the best of time. Wall to wall shelves filled with DVDs and books. Nothing was out of order. I even checked behind the door.
         Last room.
[indent}I took a deep breath.
         This is it.
         Gently nudging the door I peeped around the corner scanning the room intently. My bedroom. The double bed was in the far corner of the room, under the window. My TV was opposite on a stand, bookshelf beside it. Nothing else looked odd or out of place. I flicked on the light switch. My room looked normal.
         I heaved a final sigh of relief. Nobody was in my house. I was safe.
         Heading back downstairs I flicked on the TV and began making my tea, settling into my usual routine. The noise of the alarm had faded and so was the memory.
         That night I flicked off my small bedside light as I slipped into slumber. My eyes were heavy, my mind went dark.
         "Should've checked under your bed," a heavy voiced rasped in my ear. A huge hand covered my mouth even as I began to scream.