fear.
fear is the creature that scratches at our throats, rips out our vocal cords so we cannot scream any more, for noise attracts attention, and that is something fear cannot allow. fear cannot let itself be seen.
fear is the tree branches throwing themselves against your window at night, trying to trick your fragile mind into making you believe that there is something more.
fear is the spiderweb ghosting against your skin, forcing you to pinch yourself awake and make you remember exactly where you are.
fear is the sound of echoing footsteps that are far too heavy to be your own, yet far too similar just the same. the sounds of an all too familiar stranger.
fear is looking in the mirror and sensing another figure beside you, brushing it off, and ignoring the fact that you know you didn't make it up.
fear is feeling someone else's breath against your neck. you shudder and ignore it, but it was the breath of the demon sitting on your shoulder, scorching your tongue so you cannot speak.
fear is the dark, wild mass howling at the sun as it sinks below the ground. a feral creature, foaming at the mouth with the lies that you have been holding back for as long as you can remember.
fear is the raging storm shaking the windows, lightning crackling against the sky. you are told to stay away, out of fear, but you do not listen. the electric wave sends sparks up your veins, intensifying whatever life you might have felt in that moment, until you are pulled away because somebody else is afraid. fear is controlling.
fear is the shadowed figure haunting your doorstep. your mother tells you not to look at them, but as your eyes lock into a stare with theirs, you can see the fear dancing across their eyelids as well. fear is in everyone.
fear is what keeps us alive.
