The stranger downstairs (825 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.78 on 44 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by drogoroch (View user info) at 2008-04-25 09:55:58 EDT
When I first heard the sound downstairs, I just wrote it off as the cats doing there thing. The second time I heard it I was less sure. I rolled over and looked to the empty side of the bed for him to go downstairs, but of course he wasn't there anymore. I heard the noise again and this time knew that it wasn't cat related. I slowly, and quietly, eased myself out of bed and grabbed his dressing gown from the door. Wrapping it around me tightly I picked up the large torch by the bed and started my decent of the stairs.
I crept down and heard the noise again, whispering coming from the dinning room. As I reached the bottom I could see that a light was on. I readied myself and threw open the door.
The light of the room hurt my eyes so I swung the torch blindly. When they adjusted and settled I looked at the room. A dishevelled man sat hunched in the corner looking at me with red rimmed eyes. His clothes were dirty and thread bare and his face looked filthy with clean streaks where it appeared he had been crying. Despite his appearance he didn't smell of anything. The cats lay at his feet whoring themselves for his attention.
He looked away from me and went back to whispering to the cats and stroking their stomachs. I could hear their purrs from the doorway.
I stood struck dumb for a minute just taking in the scene.
Then I screamed.
He flinched and stood slightly trying to back further into the corner. I came at him with the torch held high screaming at him to get out of my house. I screamed at him for being in my house. I screamed at him for being near my cats. I screamed at him for everything that had happened to me. He never said a word. His scared, blood shot, eyes just fixed on me the whole time.
I screamed at him to get out, but didn't give him the space to do so. I went to grab my phone and dialled the police. I then ran back to the dinning room and he had gone. I told the woman on the phone what had happened and I was assured that someone would be there immediately.
I put the phone down and searched for him, but he was nowhere to be found. My house was locked from the inside and there was no one else inside. I searched again, but still nothing.
Nothing remained of the emaciated stranger in my house. I slumped against the wall in the hall and slipped down it. Tears started to form in the corner of my eyes.
The door bell startled me and I opened it to the officers. They searched the house from top to bottom, as I had, and discovered nothing, I stopped them from opening the small cupboard under the stairs I didn't want people to see the memories within. Two hours later I showed them out and I managed to throw myself back into bed.
There was to be no sleep for the rest of the night.
--
The noise wakes me again. I again roll over and look for him but know he won't be there. I grab his dressing gown and the torch and head down the stairs again.
I see the light shining beneath the door of the dinning room and dial the police on my phone. Telling the woman that the man is here again I throw open the door and see him squatting, as before, playing with my cats. They rub themselves against him and their purrs seem louder than ever. He looks at me with scared eyes and tries a smile his cheeks seem fuller than the night before, less gaunt.
I scream again.
Throwing myself at him I strike him with the torch, again and again and again. He makes no sound. He just looks at me with his sad, red rimmed eyes. I find myself crying as I hit him.
The doorbell stops me and I back out of the room keeping my eyes on him as I head to the door. I turn so that I can release the chain and unlock it and when I turn back he is gone.
The Police enter and I point to the dinning room telling them he is there. They rush in but come out moments later shaking their heads. They stay and search again, but find nothing, again I stop them from looking under the stairs, and no one could fit there any way. They leave telling me that someone will come to see me in the morning.
I return to bed and sleep never comes.
--
They visited me today. Two officers, one of them female to make me feel at ease. They don't believe me. They didn't say as much but I could see it in their eyes. They danced around the subject of wasting police time but didn't actually come out with it. They said they understood considering my circumstance of what happened to him, but that it couldn't continue.
They left me and I carried on with my day. The cats spent the whole day lying on the floor outside the small cupboard under the stairs even they seem to be fed up with me.
I shut them down stairs and go up, as if to go to bed. I carry out my normal routine before lying down on the landing wrapped in his dressing gown to watch and listen to downstairs. It didn't take long until I heard an unmistakable creak.
The small door of the cupboard under the stairs slowly opens and a figure squeezes itself out from the tight confines, I take a sharp intake of breath as I see him unfold. He stands up and brushes himself down before closing the door behind him. He looks up straight into my eyes. His eyes seem to be ready to burst into tears. His face looks healthier, rounder and with some colour to his cheeks. He shakes his head and walks towards the dinning room. I hear him open and shut the door behind him.
I lie on the stairs, desperately trying to control my breathing. It takes me 10 minutes to walk down the stairs. I open the dinning room door and stand and stare at him. I have questions but I find it hard to express them properly.
Who are you? Why are you here? How did you get in? LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!
He squats and strokes the cats as I ask each question, and doesn't flinch when I raise my voice to shout at him. He just looks at me and smiles. He seems to grow in front of me, but that could be my tired eyes. I take out my phone and think about dialling the police he stares with his watery eyes and shakes his head.
"Misery." Whispers across the room without him moving his lips.
I slump against the wall and slide down to the floor; crying and watching him play with my cats. I stay there all night watching him, sometime before dawn I fall asleep.
--
I wake up with a blanket covering me. The cats are lying outside the cupboard under the stairs sleeping contentedly. I stand up and look at the door. I want to open it and drag the man out. I want to throw it open and grab him by his hair and take him to the police.
I can't open the door though. I know what is inside, other than him, and I can't face it. I can't bring myself to look at his things. I can't look at the boxes of clothes and pictures. I can't deal with opening the door and smelling his scent on clothes he will never wear again.
I sit down in front of the cupboard and hold the handle. I sit there for 2 hours holding it before I stand up and walk away sobbing.
I am not ready.
I can't let him go yet, I'm just not ready.
I won't let him go yet.
I steady myself and breathe deeply.
I will get rid of his things one day; until then Misery will remain in my house.
User Reviews
Submitted by Ballare (user info) at 2008-04-28 19:15:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
One time my friend awoke to a strange gagging noise, went downstairs and found a large, drunk native american sitting on his couch, trying to make himself vomit on his carpet.
This story was not dissimilar.
Submitted by peacenik_in_hell (user info) at 2008-04-28 16:23:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
fucking superb.
Submitted by HotWillie (user info) at 2008-04-28 15:56:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i thought this was going to be about crabs
Submitted by Lib (user info) at 2008-04-28 13:48:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Very Nice
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2008-04-28 07:14:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.ubersite.com/m/115408
I like to think this gave you a tiny little bit of inspiration. I dom't care I am wrong, I am thinking it anyway.
This is solid. I like everything you write.
Submitted by spyder882001 (user info) at 2008-04-25 22:26:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
good story definately needs part 2
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2008-04-25 20:56:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by Toshi (user info) at 2008-04-25 17:46:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Sorry, read the comments now.
Submitted by Toshi (user info) at 2008-04-25 17:29:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent, would love to know what gave you this idea.
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2008-04-25 17:22:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
God damn, this was a SERIOUS WRITER'S PIECE, and as such has no place on this website.
what th...............
nice job D-man.
*apologizes for teen-american naming*
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2008-04-25 17:15:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2008-04-25 13:36:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Very good.
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2008-04-25 13:26:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:34:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:25:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Goodnight Monder. Think about it and talk to him. You may be plesantly suprised, if not you may know where you stand.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:25:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Kittens nearly passported. Kitten comes with me.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:23:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Who wouldn't want to go to Dubai? They have a tennis court on top of a skyscraper!
Seriously though you'll have to leave him. Perhaps you can leave the kitten with him so he won't get sad.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:23:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
On that note good night Rochy. Good night uber. I'm off to the pub.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:21:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
We own a boat that is not yet finnished, though that is not to say, we couldn't get it trucked out there. You may be on to something.
Maybe that's what I need a bit of a fresh start. His work is not the problem, I'm just not sure he would want to go.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:16:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:14:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And what about the contractor? Would you give up the inflatable lady for a job?
It comes with an awesome appartment too. WEEEEEEEEPS
--
No but I also know that she would leap at the chance to come with me.
Its a toughie but in the modern world if a lady has an oppourtunity like that then the man should maybe encourage and support her to see it through. ANd a contractor in Dubai, depending on his trade, will never be without work.
If the inflatable lady was to be offered something I would be packing my bags right now.
Submitted by Berty (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:16:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:08:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I like the sound of that. I just got offered a really cool job in Dubia and my feet are all itchy and burning to go.
Sometimes I think I'm just doomed to live with wonder lust.
------------
What happened with the old man of the sea and his boat?
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:14:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And what about the contractor? Would you give up the inflatable lady for a job?
It comes with an awesome appartment too. WEEEEEEEEPS
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:11:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Dont pass up on it Monder. Great place, at least for a few years.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:08:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I like the sound of that. I just got offered a really cool job in Dubia and my feet are all itchy and burning to go.
Sometimes I think I'm just doomed to live with wonder lust.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2008-04-25 11:07:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What a great story. I really enjoyed reading this.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:42:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
That is a cool dream Monder, when on your travels look out for it. When you find it you will probably be bored with travelling and want to stay.
of course that could just be hippy bullshit, but I like the idea of it.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:40:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
muey bueno. me gusto mucho.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:35:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I keep wanting to call Rochy (thankfully I know how that is meant to be pronounced and I'm not giving you a pet insecty name).
I constantly dream of a city I have never been too, yet I know it about as well as I do any town I have lived in now. It's on the sea and it gets hot during the day, that's about it. Too many languages spoken for that to help. But it's a strange place, really run down in places and lovely in others. I'm always trying to find something or someone I've lost, but I never find them.
Some times I dream of the sea, but usually drowning, or being drowned. Dangerous has never been in my dreams.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:28:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Granted Nelly. I was trying to make excuses if it's any consolation they never believed me in school either.
Monder- I bet your dreams are full of Pirates and Salty sea dogs, or cats seeing as you have the Savage Sea Kitten by your side.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:24:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It's sort of The Telltale Sweater by Edgar Allen Pogoroch.
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:20:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Aces.
Submitted by Nellypaal (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:20:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Rubbish. If you know how to spell a word, you don't fuck it up every time.
I quite liked the story, by the way.
Submitted by sexualchocolate1984 (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:18:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Was expecting something like "the dude downstairs" but this was even better.
Good work! This was a really good read.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:16:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What an awesome dream. I wish I had dreams like that.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:16:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Nellypaal (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:12:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Dining room. DINING
--
Nellypaal! NellyPaal! NellyPaal! Its an unconscious double tab on a keyboard hahaha
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:14:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:12:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Drogo, this was really really sad. I thought you were happy today. Now you're giving FJ a run for his money.
--
No no I am happy.
This is a dream I had a few days ago. it was really odd. little dude living under the stairs and I couldnt get rid of him. Would throw him out and he just came back. Changed the locks and he would be back, he really got on with the cats though. Turned out he was my happiness, but I thought misery would be better. Odd I guess. Will see if some psychologist could figure it out for me.
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:13:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
drogo
Submitted by Nellypaal (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:12:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Dining room. DINING.
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:12:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Drogo, this was really really sad. I thought you were happy today. Now you're giving FJ a run for his money.
On a serious note. This was excellent, it made me all scratchy in my throat and stingy eyed.
*passes the bottle*
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:10:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:09:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:07:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's what fat guys call their dicks.
--
No I don't. I call him 'One Day'
====
AAAAAAND there goes my coffee!
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:09:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:07:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's what fat guys call their dicks.
--
No I don't. I call him 'One Day'
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:07:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's what fat guys call their dicks.
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:07:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I had Laser correction surgery on mine eyez on Tuesday... it was fucking brilliant.
Nowt to do with your story, just the picture made me tell you.
TWAS THE PICTURE WOT DUNNIT.
Submitted by jigglypuff (user info) at 2008-04-25 10:05:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really liked this.