Thick fingers grip my throat.

Cold settles around me,

The dark keeps me company.

Though I was sure I shut the door before I slept,

Dark shadows lean in,

I stumble to my feet, shut the door,

Keep those shadows out,

But when I turn the door is open again.

Did I imagine closing the door?

I go back and listen.

Sounds like a hacking cough,

Just like my own.

But there’s no one else here,

except sickness.