There's a monster under my bed

There's a monster under my bed.

I don't know how long it's been there for. Weeks, months, if the signs were anything to go by. Food had begun disappearing from the fridge back then; small bits at first, things I'd brush off as having eaten it myself without remembering, but I figured it out eventually.

It wasn't just my food magically disappearing. Filth, as well. Sometimes I returned from work expecting a long day of cleaning, just to find some things already clean in part. The dishes done, the floor somewhat broomed, little things I'd sooner believe I either forgot I've done or imagine were always that clean. Whatever was inside my house probably was in for the long run, imagining itself getting caught and using that as bargaining tool to stay in. Honestly, it was working.

Caught it eventually, sleeping under my bed. A mouse girl, a bit smaller than me; she had to be, to fit down there comfortably. Poor thing was about to jump out the window in panic, probably remembering at the last second that leaving wasn't something she wanted. I had an idea since time ago, so when she calmed down, I made a deal with her.

She couldn't cook to save her life, and her 'cleaning' was messy at best. The kind of cook that'd somehow manage to burn water, and at first I thought she was cleaning like that on purpose to not raise suspicion, but that really was the best she could manage. Taught her nonetheless. Took time, needed an extinguisher on the kitchen and even used it once. Eventually, she learned.

It's not like much changed overall. My fridge keeps having to provide for two, but at least I save myself from cooking and cleaning.

Nowadays, though?

There's a monster over my bed.