Feathers by K.D. Peters Page B

this morning, so he stayed home.  Did you need to talk to him about something?” she asked.
                  “No.” Raziel answered.  “I was just curious, that’s all.  He just doesn’t miss a lot of time unless he’s going away for a while, and you usually mention that.”
                  Sara just smiled.  “That’s true, but even he does get sick on occasion.  And he did have some late nights lately.  I warned him that he might pay for it later.” She said.
                  “Well, I hope he feels better.  I didn’t get to thank him for helping me yesterday.” I said.
                  “I can tell him for you, and I’m sure he’ll be there tomorrow.  You don’t need to worry.” Sara assured me.
                  “I don’t think we’re really that worried.  Besides, he can take care of himself.” Raziel said.  He reached over and took my hand.  “Anyways, we’d better get going.  We’ve still got some things to do.”
                  Sara nodded.  “Okay.  Thank you again Raziel.” She said.
                  “What was that all about?” I asked as we walked back to the car.
                  “What?” Raziel asked.
                  “You were asking about Sean.  I thought you didn’t like him.” I replied.
                  Raziel sat back in his seat.  “Just thought we’d find out.  Like I said, he doesn’t miss a lot of time.” He told me.
                  I sighed, turning the car on.  “I guess.  But you shouldn’t be so rude sometimes.  She seemed pretty nice.” I said as we pulled out.
                  “She is.  But she knows enough now.” Raziel replied, closing his eyes.
                  I just shook my head and let it go for the time being.  After all, reasoning with Raziel wasn’t the easiest thing in the world.  And besides, I knew now that it was just that Sean had been sick.  A part of me actually felt a bit relieved for whatever reason.  I knew he was coming back.  I would be able to see him again.
                  The rest of the afternoon and evening passed quietly enough.  Raziel and I ended up having dinner at a fast food restaurant, then I made myself head home after I dropped him off.  By then, he’d called a tow truck to take his SUV to the dealer to get the battery changed.  They said it would be done first thing in the morning, so I promised that I’d pick him up and drop him off to get it.  I’ll admit I was in a pretty good mood as I walked into the house.  The afternoon and evening out had been nice enough to make me forget my fears.  And soon, Michael would be home too.  There was nothing for me to be afraid of.
                  After settling myself in, I headed upstairs to my room and sat down at my desk to begin working on a report I had due in a week.  I turned on some music on my laptop, and allowed myself to get lost in it while I worked.  But slowly, I became aware of a strange sound just below the music.  Sitting up a little more in my chair, I listened a little closer.  It sounded like scratching.  I quickly turned around to look behind me.  It was only here and there, and very slight though.  Do we have mice?  I wondered.  Slowly, I turned back to my computer and sighed.  I glanced at the clock.  Seven thirty.  Michael should be home very soon, I thought.  There’s nothing to worry about.
                  But after working for a few more minutes, I became aware of another feeling slowly coming over me.  I felt like I was being watched.  I slowly brought my head up again and took a deep breath.  Once again, I felt very anxious.  The feeling was almost overwhelming.  A part of me was saying to turn around and look at the window over my bed.  That was where it was coming from.  I was sure of it.  But it was very,