Run or Hide ?

Closer it got, the faster my heart beat ...
Is it going to discover my hiding place? How can I escape from this predicament ? Questions racing through my brain like a freight train. Should I make a break for it now ? Where would I go ?

It approached closer and closer.

Something suddenly distracted it and it seemed to stop. I could not see or hear what it was. Suddenly I saw it's back next to the table as it sat down right next to my right hand. I almost let our a scream but managed to hold myself. My heart raced faster as I slowly moved my hand away. I could hear its deep breathing just next to me as I slithered lower down to the ground.

Seconds became minutes as time seemed to be in slow motion. Eventually it got up and moved away. It was several moments before I had the courage to peek round the table. I could not see any sign of it or of anything else for the matter. The mansion was dark and not a flicker of light could be seen. I seemed to be safe for the moment but what now ?

Looking around  I could not see any of the creatures I saw earlier. The garden was empty. The wind was still howling and a storm seemed to be brewing. Looking further, I could see the balcony edge. Should I venture further to see if there was a way out over the balcony or go back to the relative safety of the mansion with its undiscovered secrets ?