Noise

I hear a noise and look around to pinpoint its location. It appears to be coming from the corner by the window. It’s the chirping of a cricket.

I go to check but it has moved along the wall. I follow. I stand still and listen.

Again, the sound has moved, now across the room to the opposite wall.

I am annoyed and determined to catch the insect, so I continue to follow, flyswatter in hand.

Then, the sound comes from midair, in the center of the room.

Slowly, horrifyingly, it dawns on me. The noise is in my head.