Short Story Collection

Nightly Fear

I flick my lamp off and enfold myself into the overpowering dark, hoping for sleep. Though as I lay upon my bed, the same nightly fear invades my thoughts. I jump under the blankets to shield myself from any unknown threats. I curl up into a ball to lessen the likelihood of me being dragged out of bed. I lay still. I dare not move a muscle, for they can see all movement. I silence my breath to hide myself even further from anything lurking where it cannot be seen. For I know a human could fit underneath my bed. It is not the childhood fears of monsters lurking about. It has manifested into a fear of not the dark, but what sulks within. A fear of nothing but fear itself.

Then begin the questions. How does one acquire fear? Why do humans fear so much? Where does fear stem from? The questions burn holes in my skull allowing more alarm to drip into my brain. 

What if I'm being watched?

What are these noises?

What if everyone leaves?

What happens now?

By now the dawn has grown nigh and slumber has yet to take its hold. I still remain trapped in a ball, beneath the blankets, enclosed in perpetual darkness. I drift off into a dreamless sleep, finally relaxing. 

Then I wake to morning, exhausted. Knowing I'll face the same torment again tonight.