Changeling

By DeRicki Johnson

He woke to the sound of tiny feet padding down the hall.

“Sport? What are you doing up?”

“Daddy, someone’s in my room.”

Earl sighed and vowed no more late night scary movies with the boy.

They approached Sport’s door. “No. I don’t want to go in there.” His eyes gimlet in the gloom.

“It’s OK Sport. I’ll take point. Stay here.”

Slowly walking toward the bed’s little-boy-sized lump, curiosity overcame caution as he threw back the covers to reveal…Sport. Another Sport.

“Daddy!” His eyes flew open, rimmed with fear, bordering on madness. “Something was under my bed.”