Echo of Darkness

It is a quiet night. Only the music of the night creatures can be heard, as the full moon gently beams its dim lighting upon the earth. I rest my feet upon the edge of the ceramic bathtub as I move to find comfort in my position. Resting my head against the cold hard stone, I soon felt ease and warmth. The silent sound of the night nibbles gently against my skin, taking my exhaustion away.

I thought I had slipped away into my nostalgic dreams, but a silent sound rang in my ears. Now alarmed, I quickly sit up to listen to the sound once more. The once welcoming silence now a deadly fear, I pull my knees up to my chest. The echo of darkness beat against the wooden frame that separates the hallway from this little, tiled room. If the silence beats it harder, I fear it may break down the door.

My teeth clenches as I held my breath. There is no one there. There is nothing there. Nothing but a dark hallway with the shadows of the night. I sigh as I silently laugh at myself. Why am I so afraid? Is it because I realize that I am alone? Is it because the loud thumping in my heart is running wild? Is it because I know that if I were to be in danger, there is no rescue?

Trying to hold back my wildest doubts, I reached for my cream colored towel hanging by the tub. Quickly covering myself with it, I reached for another towel to wrap my dark, long hair. Then it hit me once again.

The feeling of fear danced in the moonlight. Sparks of dread prickled against my skin making the ends of those tiny hair stand. Like a prey aware of a predator lurking nearby, I grabbed the closest object to me as if it was a mighty weapon. Although my wet skin should be the only part of my body to feel cool against the night air, my bones seem to shake as well.

My lips tremble as I managed to take a step forward. I reach out towards the door and touch that thin wooden frame. As if leaning my ear against the door would let me see and hear what it is out there, I find myself holding my breath for much too long.

Letting out a breath of bravery, I held my weapon tightly and opened the door. Nothing. I was met with nothing but the cool breeze of the small apartment. Nothing, but the dancing shadows against the walls. Nothing, but the silent night. Nothing, but the sweet smell of lurking danger nearby.

I inched forward regretting for not staying in the light where I felt most protected. I reached for the light switch which I remember was much closer in the daytime. But the farther my hand slid against the icy wall, the more I feel like something might just reach back.

The rushing adrenaline burst out like a broken dam. My ears now screaming to go back into the light. My boiling blood racing to safety and my lungs gasping for air. I retracted my hand and quickly turned around to the light. Slamming the door behind me, I thought I heard a loud bang against that wooden door.

Clenching to my almighty weapon, I pull my legs up as I sat against the wall, watching that wooden door that blocks me from what is out there. The pounding against my head was also pounding against the door. I can hear the silent laughter of darkness on the other side of the door as if teasing me to come out.

Looking down at the bottom of the door, I can almost see the darkness's shadow reaching in. I bit my bottom lips and drew my breath as if doing so can make it go away. Cradling myself into the tiniest being I could muster, I began to rock back and forth chanting a spell my mother once told me.

"It's all in your head. There is nothing there."

I continue to repeat this as I can see the shadow of darkness swayed from side to side. It's ghastly, silent laughter rang in my ear as I closed my eyes tightly. It's mocking me, taunting me to come out and face it.

"It's all in your head. There is nothing there."

I repeated this charm several times, realizing that this fear will never leave me alone. After all, where can I feel safe if there is darkness everywhere?