The Monster

The Monster by Virginia Lee (a Short Story Contest entry) 

Dylan shook under his covers. There was a monster under his bed, he was sure of it this time - he could hear its claws skittering across his floorboards. He had to check, to be brave like his father was always telling him to be. He picked up his flashlight, threw off his blanket, shone the light under his bed, and let out a shriek as his cat scampered out of the room.