I stand forlorn where my stairs meet the cold wooden floor of my living room. Over the last few weeks, the air has grown more chilling and choking. Hell at this point it's quite comfortable for me. I forget when it started changing, I forget when it started getting comfortable. It’s gotten to the point where anywhere but here feels poisonous. I can’t imagine going back to normal. I’ve misplaced my phone so I can’t really contact anyone, nor do I want to.

No, I like it here. My house has a dark atmosphere. All lights are off, and all entrances for natural light to leak in are covered. I don’t know what time of day it is, there may not even be any natural light to let in. The only source of light comes from the television, which at this point I don’t remember when I turn it off and on. It just sits there producing white noise which I barely recognize anymore. The picture is so dim and twisted, making sure nothing is visible. It sits in a state of constant production.

And, of course, in the corner of my living room there it sits. The entity. With its ghastly face and soul-sucking glaze. The disgusting head is hoisted above the ground by an inky blob, hanging from the corner of the room. This “body” appears as a snake, only if it was covered in the darkest, wettest black oil paint imaginable. It drips its rancid ink into the room, slowly converting it into a disturbing stained mess.

I hardly remember the day it showed itself, nor can I recall it doing anything. I think it spoke once. It was blood-curdling, yet oddly calm. Of course, I don’t remember what it said. I haven’t been able to remember much of anything anymore. I think it’s for the better. If I recalled every moment in this life I may cease it. But I do remember some things.

Still, this life has become comfortable. No one’s come to check on me so it must not be so concerning. I just stand here, not even looking at the horrifying creature that shares the same house as me. It’s almost like a pet. Only if you called a wild bear that wandered into your home a pet. Not wanting to upset it and make things worse you don’t do anything about it. Reaching an equilibrium where nothing happens but both parties seem happy.

I wouldn’t call this a happy situation, I don’t think I’ve known such a luxury in a while. The thought of it feels scary. Things have changed so much that I don’t know if I could even handle a positive one. I feel like I’m on the brink of total collapse, balanced there fearful a small gust of wind will push me over. I’m constantly filled with fear but I’m here. 

As I stand there with static ringing through my thoughts, I decide it’s time I head to bed. I’ve been up long enough. I’m being hit with a fit of tiredness and I better not waste it. But before I do, I wait here for some time. Watching it. I want it to do something. After all this time it doesn’t “move”. It hasn’t changed its gaze. It just stares into nothing, with its awful smile. Curiosity has grabbed me and now, I want to see what happens.

Of course it doesn’t move, it doesn’t end this Hellish game it’s locked me into. It will wait for me like it always does. With a huff of frustration, I turn my back towards it and head upstairs to prepare for bed. As I walk up I look back towards the entity, illuminated by the television screen I forgot to turn off. I continue up. 

I finish up in the restroom and head for my bedroom. Opening the door and immediately focused my gaze and the ceiling right above my bed.

Like clockwork.

The entity rests there, right above my bed, staring directly at the usual spot my eyes lay when I sleep. It’s been doing this for a long time. I don’t know how it gets here, nor do I care. At least it’s regular, it’s really the only consistency I’ve had in my life even before it appeared. Maybe you could even call it a positive.

I’m lying to myself.

I crawl into bed and lock eyes with the entity. Its inky frame doesn’t drip when it's above my bed. I have no clue why but I guess it just doesn’t. Maybe it’s being polite.

There I go lying again.

Anyway, I turn my head away from its gaze, still feeling its lack of eyes focus directly on me. I close my eyes and drift to sleep. Fine with my situation.