Games of the Unseen

A mischievous creature named delights in hiding keys and stealing socks. Winner!

David dropped his keys onto the counter with a clink, sighing after another long day at work. His tie was half-loosened, shoes kicked off in the hallway, and all he wanted was something quick to eat from the diner down the street. He trudged off to the bedroom, leaving the keys unattended.

From the corner of the kitchen, a darker shadow stirred. Shadow —the little trickster of misplaced things— crept forward. No taller than a cat, with eyes that gleamed like faint lanterns, he grinned. With practiced ease, he snatched up the keys and padded silently to the living room, tucking them neatly beneath a couch cushion.

Minutes later, David returned, patting his pockets. “It was here a minute ago,” he muttered, staring at the empty counter. His brow furrowed. He looked under the mail, lifted his jacket, even checked the fridge out of desperation. No keys.

Shadow’s laughter was noiseless but gleeful, his sharp teeth flashing in the dim. He perched on the arm of the sofa, invisible to David’s tired eyes, watching him scramble about.

“Where the hell...” David grumbled, dropping to his knees and peering under furniture. The sound of cushions being tossed filled the room until, at last, the keys jingled free.

Relief washed over David. He snatched them up, shaking his head. “I must be losing it.”

Shadow, still hidden in the folds of dim light, curled his tail around himself with satisfaction. Oh, how amusing it is, he thought. Socks gone from the laundry, keys wandering into impossible places; it was all his art. And tonight, watching David mutter and pace, Shadow had all the fun he needed.

Tomorrow, maybe the remote would vanish. Or perhaps just one shoe. After all, Shadow never tired of his game.

Word Count: 293
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “It was here a minute ago.”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"