It or me

I stared into those awful eyes. The creature stared back, unblinking, it's eyes round, and gleaming black - I saw my own face reflected back and shuddered. This would only end when one of us was dead.

It's hideous, hairy hide made my skin crawl and prickle. Was the creature's stomach hairy too - or was the skin there pale and bald? The thick shag continue all the way down down the legs, where it took on an almost velvety quality. Two sharp black claws poked out from the fur at the end of each leg. Claws that allowed the creature to defy gravity - to climb where no living thing should be able to climb.

The creature had let itself in to my home, my sanctuary, my safe space and had been waiting for me with a chilling patience. Where it came from - I might never know. But I was desperate to avoid those merciless fangs. The thought of them sinking into my soft flesh filled me with such dread - I remained frozen as long seconds dripped past.

But, I knew the kind of death that awaited this creature's prey. It was slow and painful - victims were often immobilised with brutal efficiency - and then eaten alive. Slowly I gripped my weapon. I had one chance to strike a stunning blow. If the creature jumped or attacked first, I knew my courage would fail me.

Taking a deep, jagged breath, I calmed my jangled nerves. And committed murder.

But, as I threw the roll of newspaper and squashed spider in the bin, I didn't feel the slightest contrition. After all, it was me or it.