by
Jerome
he wind howled outside and the rustling of the leaves continued, but Jerome wasn't deterred. He knew if he just stuck to his task, his assignment would be done soon. "Just a little bit longer" he told himself. It was nine o'clock and although his parents said they'd be home by eight, he wasn't worried. He knew they were often held up at these meetings and would surely be home soon. "Tick, tock, tick, tock..."
Suddenly there was a faint cry. Oh, it was in the distance Jerome knew but it alarmed him nevertheless. He'd never before heard neighbours at night and he knew he was alone in the house. "Perhaps it's the tv" he thought. But, again a faint cry was heard and Jerome could feel the lump begin to rise in his throat and the sweat gather on the brim of his forehead. Never before had he heard his heart beat so. Before he could stop he felt himself going up the stairs towards the attick. Each step creaked beneath his feet which were now beginning to feel like ten pound weights. Slowly he raised one foot after another, creak after creak until finally, he was at the door. Carefully he reached for the handle. His brain was saying "don't turn it" but his hand reached out. It opened a crack and Jerome didn't want to look in but the urge overcame him. He glanced in and the room was in ruins. There was furniture everywhere. Things were turned upside down - nothing was where i! t should be. Just as he turned to run he heard it again. This time he couldn't move. His feet were frozen to the floor and there was no escape. With sweat dripping from his forhead he closed his eyes and began to pray for an escape. Suddenly something landed in his hands. With sheer surprise Jerome opened his eyes and there, lying curiously before him was a stray, multi-coloured overweight cat. Relieved, Jerome stroked the cat, breathed a sigh of relief and when he finally found his voice he was able to squeak out, "where did you come from?" As if the cat understood his question, he glanced toward the broken window with the curtain blowing in the wind. "Oh, that's it" Jerome responded. "Well, at least I'm not alone anymore". Then he turned toward the door, with cat in hand, and decided to go downstairs. "I've got to get my assignment because if I don't the teacher will never believe this excuse".
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