1.

  Maggie was just three and frightened to death of being sucked down the bathtub drain or being vacuumed away if she were to get too close to the killer machine while it was turned on. Upon hearing it roar to life she would run to the safety of her room until the monster was unplugged.

  “ Really Pats”, Maggie's father began, “ Don’t you think Maggie should have outgrown these silly fears? I’m afraid she’ll grow up afraid of every new boogeyman.We could easily show her that she is too large to be swallowed by the tub drain. Then she could enjoy her bath time like other kids. Have you shown her the small slot of the cleaner?”

  “ Yes John. It’s completely normal. One day she will just stop running from the machine and the bathtub drain will not be a ‘boogey man for much longer.If we pressure her she will be afraid that much longer. Her mind is still developing logic and reason. She’s fine.”

  John shook his head and took a swig of beer.” Hope you’re right. I’m going to hit it Pats. Worn out. But talk with Maggie. I dont want her to freak out about things that can’t happen. Enough real things to drag people down. Right?”

  “ You’re right. I think I have an idea. Try it out tomorrow.” Pats smiled and gave John a smile as he walked away.

 2.

  Friday. Thank God. John walks into his house noticing at once the shower running and the homey smell of a roast dinner simmering in the kitchen. Pats showing Maggie the simple science of how not to get sucked down the shower drain. John laughed at his own joke and walked upstairs to see the results of Pats lesson.

  Walking into the steaming bathroom John hears Pats horrid screams. He pulls back the vinyl shower curtain only to see his wife's finger poking up through the drain. “ John? John I can’t hold on.”

  John held back a scream and ran into Maggie’s room afraid she would not be these . She was. She stood in the middle of her pink room decked out with Disney character posters. She held the vacuum hose in one small hand. Her other hand hovering over the switch. “ Come in Daddy. I want to show you something spooky.”