Don't Find Us

She kept her hand over her brother's mouth to keep him quiet while trying to stifle her own heavy breathing. They sat together, backs firmly pressed against the back of the closet, hidden by the hanging clothes and cluttered shoes. Every little sound made them jump. Her brother pushed her hand away.

“He’s going to find us.” He said, looking up at her fearfully.

“No, he won’t.” She promised, trying to comfort him. Really, though, it was more for herself.

A creak in the floor boards made them both gasp. They scrambled back as far as they could without making any sounds. A shadow drifted in front of the light that slipped into their haven. They watched it slowly drift across until it was gone. After a minute of no sound, they finally released the breath they had both been holding.

The little girl looked over to her brother as if to say, “See? I told you so.” The boy smiled up at her. When she glanced at the door and her face drained of color. He swung his head around and he saw the doorknob slowly turning. They held each other as the door flew open, and they screamed.

The man yelled in victory. “Tag, you’re it!”