I was relaxing on my comfy couch when a barely audible sound invaded my ears shattering the silence. Then it gradually increased in frequency and intensity. As I listened, not moving, it became a scratching sound. I have no pets. Was there an animal, or something else? Was someone using a tool, a weapon to make that ominous noise? No strange smells and I couldn’t see anything with darkness outside. I rose slowly, walked to the door and peered out. I gasped seeing shadowy movement. Focusing, I realized a tree branch was scraping against the house.