Ben's return home was eventful. A grim determination had replaced the terror. I saw you. He walked confidently, his eyes darting from side to side, checking for dangers. I know what you want. He licked the tender flesh of his missing teeth. You can't trick me anymore. He smiled a feral grin.
Suddenly, a warning from above "Sir, look out!" Ben didn't look. He just jumped toward the building's wall. A pot shattered on the ground next to him. Without looking, he resumed walking. Ben: 1, Monster: 0. He felt a puff of rage go through him and smiled. Pout all you want, no candy for you.
Back in his apartment, he prepared himself a smoothie. Sat on the sofa and drank it with a straw. The shadow elongated as night crept in. Ben didn't bother turning the light on. He drank a bit more, held the cup high and asked, "You want some?" In the darkening room, he saw the blurry outlines of a nightmarish face, all pointy teeth and moving smoke. The bright white eyes leaving a line of afterimage in his vision. The creature sniffed the smoothie and retreated. Ben chuckled, "Your lose, five fruits and vegetables a day."
He moved to his room and let himself fall on the bed. "I think I'll skip teeth brushing, just this once." He chuckled and moved to find a comfortable position. As he let exhaustion slowly lull him toward sleep, he suddenly opened his eyes wide. Wait a minute…
He felt it, the creature was quiet, immobile, but very excited. What are you preparing now? He rolled on the side and looked down toward the floor. Oh, I got it now… smart. Ben got up, pulled the mattress away from the frame, and set it on the ground. He lay back down and asked, "What about now?"
The barely contained fury he felt was all the confirmation he needed. He smiled, the night would be quiet.