The Thief

Stories Under 500 Words
(402 Words)

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The Thief

         My car keys are always easy to find; they’re attached to a purple rabbit’s foot. The color of the fake fur paw and the fuzzy shape of it guarantee that I won't lose them. At least, it works normally, but not this time. Somehow, they had disappeared, and I couldn't find them anywhere. I searched throughout my rather large and well-pocketed purse, inside every coat pocket, out in the car, and in and on every drawer, cabinet, and counter space in my entire house. The keys were just not to be found!

         I’m a practical woman. I keep a spare set, and I began to use them. Their chain carried a metal alien someone had given me; as keys they worked just fine, but the loss of the others was irritating. Where in the world could those keys have gone?

         The next day my glasses disappeared – the ones that I leave by the telephone book and never take anywhere! They’re not prescription; they’re just the cheap kind you buy in the drugstore. They magnify so I can read the small print on the telephone directory better. I know I didn’t move those glasses. Someone stole them.

         That’s when I started looking around and noticing that other items had taken to walking away. I changed the locks on my doors. I put little levers on my windows. I installed an alarm. But the small of my back kept itching with trepidation. Who was getting into my house? And if they could, might they not attack me sometime?

         Weeks passed. The thefts continued. My dog never barked, yet I was beginning to suspect the robberies were being staged in the middle of the night. I had to set a trap. There was no other way to end this fear in which I was living.

         I chose Saturday night. The lights were put out, and I cozied myself on the floor near the site of most of the thefts –- by the telephone table. The night was long and uncomfortable. My dog went in and out of the doggie door several times. Each time he did, I woke up, stretched and looked around. Nothing missing yet.

         The burglar came around 3:00 in the morning – right through that same doggie door! His bandit face had eerie green eyes that flashed in the dark, and I recognized him. I felt silly, All my fear had been caused by one silly, little dog-sized raccoon! Ah relief!


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