Just experimenting with some present tense, something I don't usually like. Sorry for the shortness of this, but I hope you enjoy!

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Coraline turns to face her mother, who is sitting in the kitchen at her computer. She can barely hear her own voice over the clicking of the keyboard being pressed. She calls to her mother again, louder this time, in hopes she will gain her attention.

She does. But she wishes she hadn't.

Her mother slowly turns in her seat. Her skin is far too pale and angular and tight. Its as if she isn't supposed to inhabit her own body. Coraline believes this when a set of black buttons make themselves known on her mothers face, replacing her mother's dull brown eyes.

She knows for a fact that this being isn't her mother. Her mother is made up of soft, gentle curves and tired, honest smiles. This creature is crooked, sharp and biting.

But worse of all it is mocking her. From the sultry curve of its black widow lips, to the narrowed slim eyebrows. Everything about it screams evil.

As it approaches her, Coraline inspects it with morbid fascination and with the grime knowledge of being the lamb frozen for the slaughter.

In the time it takes to reach her, its body morphs into its original form, spider like limbs pointed and poised to strike her heart. It grins wickedly, knowingly, and Coraline can only stare back helplessly. Her body has turned to stone. Its as if the button eyes hold her in a basilisks stare.

Her blood pounds as it draws nearer, invading her personal space. It brings a slender digit up to her throat and tilts her head upwards. Its black nails press gently against her neck and raise goose bumps. Coraline forgets how to breath.

She should run. She should scream, or cry. She should lash out. Anything but this.

But Coraline knows she can't. For some inexplicable reason, she can't. The demon seems to know this as well, for its mouth widens past what is considered natural, its smile covering too much room on its feminine face.

Its nails pinch her neck playfully, and she jerks backwards in alarm. Then it chuckles, the noise deep and coarse, cutting through the silence like a knife. And it speaks, its tone listless. "You could stay here forever if you want darling."

Caroline screams.

Her body snaps upwards. Her vision is bleary and she can feel the warm sweat rolling down her chest and back. It's a comforting reminder that she is now back in reality. She exhales shakily, her limbs like jelly. She can already hear the tapping of her mothers hurried footsteps as she comes to check that she is alright.

After all, this is the third night in a row that Coraline has screamed herself awake.

She hopes it isn't a sign.