Chapter 1
I was always afraid of the dark.
Even as a child, I would lie awake at night, my heart pounding with fear as I imagined the monsters and demons lurking in the shadows. Every creak in the floorboards, every rustle in the curtains, every shadow on the wall was enough to send my mind racing with terror. The fear would only subside when the first rays of sunlight broke through the window, signaling the end of another night of terror.
At first, everyone thought I was just a child being irrationally afraid of nothing. They even had me convinced for some time. But this was not just a passing phase - it was a deep-seated terror that left an indelible mark on my childhood.
As I grew older, my fear only intensified. It became a source of shame and embarrassment, something I tried to hide from others as best I could. I would avoid social gatherings that took place after dark, or make excuses to leave early.
Now, when in the dark, I am left completely paralyzed. Without the ability to sleep, feel safe, or trust the world around me. I am like a prisoner in my own mind, trapped by a fear that I cannot escape.
My name is Ethan Wembly, and this is my story.
