A Thief in the Night

by Kara Hartz

Moving cautiously, trying not to break the stillness of the night, Holly baited the trap.  She knew it was risky being out this late, but it had to be tonight.  It only came out at night.

She fiddled with the camera yet again, too nervous to sit quietly and wait.  She held tight to the camera’s remote.  Should she risk another practice shot to make sure it still worked?

A harsh light filled the bedroom and Holly cringed as her eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.

“Young Lady, what are you doing awake at this hour?” Mama demanded.

Shaken, she fumbled, trying to think of a good excuse.  “I was… I needed to use the bathroom," she said, hiding the camera remote in her fist.

Her mother looked unconvinced, but tilted her head toward the hallway and said, “Well, get moving. Then into bed.”

“Yes, Mama," Holly said as she scurried past into the hallway.

Once in the bathroom she shut the door and paced back and forth.  This interruption could ruin everything.  Now she was forced to waste more time pretending to use the restroom.  Mama was suspicious, and she didn’t want her coming back to check on her again.  Now she’d have to lie down and pretend to sleep for a bit.  Deciding she'd stayed long enough she flushed the toilet, ran the water in the sink, and then trotted back to her bedroom.

“Goodnight baby,” Mama said, giving her a kiss. 

Holly climbed into bed, smiling at her mother, and with a shift of her eyes checked that the camera was still set.  Switching out the light, her mom turned and left. Wanting to check the bait one more time, Holly reached up under her pillow.  It was gone!  She flung the pillow aside and sat up in one motion.  There were two quarters in the place where she’d left her tooth.  Oh no!  She missed the tooth fairy again.  She flopped down, and with an irritated sigh, began probing with her tongue for any other wiggly teeth.

The End

Kara Hartz lives in the California Bay area with her sweet, loving and troublesome husband and two daughters. She believes that happiness is a choice, and constant learning keeps life fresh.  She is also a registered veterinary technician, quilter, and lover of the written word.  Contact Kara.