The Bogeyman

The air was eerily still, and the sky was darkening as the sun had just set. The members of my court had retired to their chambers, supposedly taking a respite from their daily activities (which never appear to me to look very strenuous, but I digress.) I was napping on the cool tile when a sudden chill ran up my spine. I thought it odd that my fur was standing on end as there was not even the faintest breeze. But I was aroused from my slumber, and so I slowly felt compelled to climb the staircase without any rhyme or reason.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary on the upstairs landing of the south wing, but I was intrigued by a strange scent that led me down a hallway and to a spiral staircase. I had never ventured up into the tower, but the odour grew even more intense and I could not resist it. I followed the treacherous steps up into the tower that, oddly enough, is exposed to the outdoors. And there it was-- the giant mango tree blossoming over my head, filled with the malevolent fruit. I could feel my pupils dilate and my tail began to wag uncontrollably. I could practically hear the serpent whispering to me to have my fill without abandon.

The sky grew darker and my body went cold. After that, I must have lost consciousness. The next thing I remember was the watchman grabbing me by my collar and forcing me inside. I was completely drenched. It must have begun to rain, but I was too enraptured by my juicy rose-colored opiate that I did not even notice. Dazed, I stumbled down the stairs and was ashamed to find the members of my court staring at me in disbelief. I was whisked away in a towel, and it was not until several hours afterwards that I understood I had had my first encounter with the leafy bogeyman.