The creature sat at the foot of the bed, eyes focused on the cars appearing in a momentary brilliance and fading away in less time; a longing gaze reflected the ponderous image of the beast. The glint of its horns was conceived from the artificial lighting of the urban streets, and its pitted eye sockets almost seemed to be alive in the animation of the world outside. Prominent in the darkness of the room, the creature's back which was flushed with a vibrant scarlet provided a stark juxtaposition to the feelings it emanated. How could something so hideous seem so human?
It stood up and the indention of its tail in the sheets still remained. "I'm a monster. I think I wish I could have what you do--but I can't." The otherworldly echo of its voice rose above the commotion outside the window. Stretching out its clawed hand, a flame appeared, flickering in its palm as it pressed the fire to my face. "Remember this feeling; now sleep, rest on my transience." The towering presence moved toward the door and gently turned the handle, creeping into the ill-lit hallway. The door was shut and a warmth still lingered on my cheek for a few minutes before I fell into a slumber engaged in my own mind as it expanded on the somber tone the beast exuded, the memory of the creature slowly dissolving as my sleep grew deeper in the tranquility of forgetfulness.


This urban legend has no name, and its story has never been told. The children affected by its pestilence are never aware of the presence of the beast, but of the feelings of depression and anxiety that they are unable to explain. It appears to these children at night, concealed in the shadow of darkness, leading many to become intensely despondent and may even lead some to suicide. This legend is not a horror story; but rather, a story of a beast lost in its own despair, looking for hope in other children that it's never able to find. This is real. This is pestilence.