Hide and Seek

         Badump, badump, badump. Hal’s heart danced inside of his tiny chest. He dashed out of the room and down the hallway, searching frantically for the perfect place to hide. Hal turned the corner, his bare feet squeaked against the polished wooden floor like burning tires before he launched himself at the bed. He squeezed underneath it, between the dusty box spring and the floor. His lips curled into a triumphant grin. This was a genius idea! He was concealed perfectly; no one would’ve ever suspected he was there.  It was only him and the dust bunnies that lived on the floor. “No one will find us in here.” He whispered to them.
         His head tingled with adrenaline as he lay in suspenseful silence. He could hear the sounds of rummaging from the neighboring rooms. He tried to pinpoint where they were looking from what he could hear; a rumble from drawers opening and closing, the squeak of an old wardrobe and heavy doors creaking ajar. Hal swelled with triumph, he truly was a master of disguise! In the mist of congratulating himself, the noise stopped. Hard footsteps slapped against the ground and each one sent a shock through the little boy’s body. They drew closer and closer, until finally Hal could see their shadow looming in the doorway. Adrenaline pumped through his veins; his blood rushed through his body like lightening, his breathing sped as the feet came close, close, closer to the bed until finally-!
         “Hal!” A young girl’s voice sang. A familiar set of eyes popped in front of him as the little girl ducked to see under the bed. Her arm reached for him and slapped against his skin.  “You’re it!”