1 June

The other big kids were talking loudly amongst each other. Each with their own version of the boogeyman; its origin, its folklore. One wanted to chip in but did not know much about it, thus he declared that the boogeyman was not real. That escalated the debate even more.

Next to them stood a small sized boy. He was in the same class as them. A ‘wallpaper’. Always there but never acknowledged.

The boogeyman is real.

The boy whispered to noone in particular, and nobody took notice the first time.

The boogeyman is real.

The boy standing nearest to him took notice. He looked at him, wondering if he had heard right or he imagined the quiet boy spoke.

The boogeyman is real.

Richard was shocked that the boy spoke. He tugged at Bri, who was in the thick of the debate. WHAT?! Bri shook off Richard’s grip and looked at him in annoyance. He hated to be interrupted, especially when everyone was clinging on to his every word. All the boys stopped talking and looked at Richard. Richard looked at them before directing all the gazes on the boy.

The boogeyman is real.

It was the earnestness of that simple statement and the rarity of hearing the boy’s voice that captivated the group. Bri immediately moved closer to the boy and demanded with authority.

Say, Jack. What proof you have that the boogeyman is real?

Bri smirked, already calculating a win ahead. The boy turned to him and stared at him with fearful eyes.

He comes for those who defy and deny his existence.

The smirk left Bri. He tried to sound brave.

What do you mean?

He hears and sees all. In the dead of the night, perhaps not tonight but always in a week’s time, he will appear before you and decide the punishment you will receive. Look at what’s he done to me last night!!!!!

The boy pulled up his left sleeve. A big red, slightly bulging mark, on his arm.

All the other boys gasped. Even Bri. All of them started to look worried.

When all is quiet and asleep, he appeared. He wore a hat so big that it completely hid his face. Tall, thin. His whispers were icy cold. I tried to close my eyes. Tried to run away. But I could not. He said ‘So boy, you killed the toads at Smiley Pond, eh?’ I trembled. No words came out of my mouth. ‘Tsk Tsk Tsk….. how naughty and cruel of you. Boys these days…..’ Then…

The boy stopped for air. The atmosphere was tensed. Everyone waiting to hear the rest of the story.

Then, he just smiled and touched my arm. Something seared into the flesh. It was so painful and yet I could not shout. OMG..I thought to myself. Enough already! It seemed like eternity when he finally let go of my arm. ‘Let this be a reminder to be a good boy.’ He laughed and disappeared. Just like that.

I thought I was just dreaming. But when I looked at my hand, there it was! The scalding reminder of the boogeyman.

The boy stared at the other boys. Some gulped. Some have yet to close their mouths nor blinked.

The school bell rang. Playtime was over. All of them slowly headed to the school room, with questions in their mind. Had they offended the boogeyman? What could they do to appease him? Oh god, what is going to happen now?

The boy was the last to leave.

He looked at his arm, and smirked.

Getting punished for not finishing homework was worth it this time. He thought to himself. He had amazed himself again, for conjuring up such a ridiculous story at such a short notice.