[ WP ] write a scary story that can be read to kids and also scare adults

A strange noise disturbed Thomas from his wonderful dream about being a bright yellow penguin and helping Santa to deliver his presents. He jolted up in the darkness and listened out very carefully. 
 
 *mmph* 
 
 There it was again. It was very faint and sounded... muffled. *What on earth was it? * He reached over to his bedside table and switched on his little lamp. Then, he saw it - and he screamed. A gigantic, eight limbed monster was on his wall, climbing down towards him! 
 
 It took him a moment to realise it was only a tiny spider on his lamp. The spider's shadowy body was being projected onto the wall. He let out a tiny giggle and picked up Rufus the teddy-bear. He squeezed his companion tightly. 
 
 `` It's okay, Rufus. It was just a little spider. You were scared about nothing.'' He smiled at the raggedy old bear and gave him a kiss. 
 
 *mmph* 
 
 There was that noise again. 
 
 `` Mum? Dad?'' Thomas yelled out. No reply. 
 
 He swung himself out of bed and put on his slippers and dressing gown. He grabbed Rufus by the paw and cautiously walked out of his room. 
 
 The hallway was empty, except for the shadows of the old oak tree outside; they bobbed back and forth on the hallway wall like a playground swing. He knocked on his parents door, but there was no answer. Timidly, he pushed the door ajar and peeked in. 
 
 `` Mum? Dad?'' he whispered. 
 
 The bed was empty and the duvet had been tossed onto the floor. Someone had spilt a glass of wine on the floor, although he could only see the liquid, not the glass. 
 
 `` Where are they, Rufus?'' he asked his companion, as his tiny arms began to tremble. 
 
 *mmph* 
 
 That noise again. It was coming from downstairs. He held the bear tightly against his body. Rufus' soft paws pushed against the young boy's chest; it was almost as if he did n't want them to go down there. 
 
 He bit his lip, and slowly crept down the stairs, carefully avoiding the steps that squeaked. He did n't know what he was worried about disturbing, but he knew it was something bad. 
 
 Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he began his search. The kitchen was empty, as was the lounge and dining room. The front-door was still locked from the inside, so his parents *couldn't* have gone outside. He had almost given up all hope, when he noticed the cellar door was open a crack. *The cellar*. He had long since promised he would n't go down there. Dad said there were rats, and they might bite him! 
 
 He gulped, and whispered in Rufus' ear. `` We have to go. They might need us.'' 
 
 Cautiously, he padded towards the door. He was about to open it, when all of a sudden, it pushed back violently against him! The door knocked Thomas over and Rufus went flying into the darkness. 
 
 `` Rufus!'' he screamed. 
 
 A shadowy figure loomed in the darkness above him. 
 
 Thomas scrunched up into a tiny ball and squeezed his eyes shut. 
 
 When he finally dared to open them, he saw the light was on and it was his *dad* stood above him! He could n't help crying, such was his relief. 
 
 `` Hey, kiddo. It's okay. It was only me! And you know what, I was just coming to get you,'' said his dad. 
 
 `` You- you were?'' 
 
 `` Sure!'' 
 
 `` What are you and mommy doing up?'' 
 
 `` Well, daddy has been a bit stressed recently, Thomas. Tonight I was n't really able to sleep, so I got up to play.'' 
 
 `` With mummy?'' 
 
 `` Yes! She's just hanging out in the basement. Would you like to join her?'' 
 
 `` Yes! Oh - but can I bring Rufus, too?'' 
 
 `` Of course kiddo,'' dad replied, walking over to the bear and picking him up. `` We'll *all* hang out together.'' 
 
 `` But dad, are n't there rats down there?'' Thomas asked, suddenly remembering. 
 
 Dad looked almost annoyed for a second. Then he gently smiled again. `` I wanted to surprise you, Thomas. I've been turning the cellar into a playroom for you!'' 
 
 `` You have?'' said Thomas, beaming. 
 
 `` Of course. Come and see.'' 
 
 Thomas smiled as his dad put a hand on his back and led him through the cellar door. 
 
 `` Silly bear, you were worried about nothing,'' said Thomas as he took the bear from his dad. He gave the bear a loving kiss. 
 
 -- - 
 
 /r/nickofnight
