The Babysitter

by Lucy Brighton

Tasha isn’t running away—she’s just looking for space to breathe. Home doesn’t feel safe, and the people meant to protect her keep looking the other way. When a last-minute babysitting job falls into her lap, it feels like a lifeline: a warm flat, a quiet child, a woman who actually seems to care.

But something in Marla’s home doesn’t sit right.

The silence is too deep. The shadows hold their breath. And Tasha can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched.

As the nights stretch longer and the lines blur between comfort and control, Tasha begins to wonder: when you find something that feels like home, how do you know if it’s real?

ebook

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Lucy Brighton is a British author of twist-filled thrillers that explore the darker edges of human nature. Her debut novel, Finding Home, set in the haunting seaside town of Cedarthorpe, delves into secrets, disappearances, and the strength of a woman determined to uncover the truth. A lifelong lover of suspense fiction, Lucy writes stories that are fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down.

She lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with her mischievous dog, Loki.

Visit her website at www.lucybrighton.com
Follow her on Instagram: @brightwritenow
Connect on TikTok: @brightwritenow

Reviews

[William Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun short story, with a twist that I didn't see coming at the end. It would be cool to see a follow up of this.

[Just Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good little Novella from this author.
Tasha is a 14 year old girl, fed up of her home life. Her mums creepy boyfriend, making her feel uncomfortable and insisting she calls him uncle.
She sees an advert for a babysitting job and decides it could be a saviour for her. A bit of cash in her pocket and a few nights away from home.
Marla, a qualified nurse, seems like the perfect person to work for, telling her to make herself at home, eat what she likes from the fridge and watch what she likes on Netflix. But is everything as it seems?

A little creepy suspense thriller to keep you ticking over.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this short story, a great quick read ideal for those needing a change of genre pallet cleanser, but still with all the suspense & tension you'd expect from one of Lucy Brighton's books.

A physiological thriller delving into the mental state of grief & the uneasiness of when you feel a predator near!

Overall, A spine chilling, creepy short story that will give you goosebumps & make shivers travel down your spine - We need more of these ikkle gems :)

[Kiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick, gripping read that is packed full of everything I have come to adore about Lucy's writing: fast pacing, emotional weight, eerie visuals, and a willingness to talk about topics that many people shy away from. If you have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing Lucy's writing, this is a really good place to start, as it gives you a strong sense of her style and what you can expect from the rest of her work.