46. Home Alone

I remember the first time that my parents left me home alone. I was very grown up (1), and I thought that I would be just fine. I was fine for a while. I watched television and had something to eat. I called my friend on the phone, and we talked for a while. Then, I sat down (2) to read a book.

The house was quiet, very quiet. I found myself listening very carefully. I heard a tap, tap tapping noise (3). I wondered where it was coming from. It seemed to be coming from the window. I turned out the lights so that nobody would see me, and I peeked out the window (4) carefully. I was expecting to see a robber tapping at my window. There was nobody there. It was just a tree branch swaying in the breeze and tapping at my window. I felt silly.

I turned on the lights and sat back down to read my book. A few minutes (5) later, I heard some creaking noises. I listened carefully. Then, I heard a clunking noise. I think it might have been the furnace. Then there was a whirring noise. My imagination (6) began to play tricks on me. I was imagining that there were all kinds of creatures in the house.

I told myself to grow up. I wouldn't let my imagination run away with me. I was glad (7) when my parents got home. I told them about all the noises that I had heard. My parents laughed (8) and said that all houses make noises. We're usually just so busy that we don't hear all the noises that go on.

I have stayed home alone many times now. I just ignore all the little creaks and noises that I hear. I am still alert and listen (9) for anything suspicious, but I know that there are lots of noises that are harmless. That tree that taps on my window still frightens (10) me sometimes, but I'm a lot braver now than I was the first time that I stayed home alone.