The Dark Room

“Hello?” I call out. The only one that replies to me is my own echo. “Where am I?” I whispered.

I stood in a black room. At least I assume it’s a black room—and it’s most likely a big room too. But I’m only describing things. Really, I can’t see anything. I held my hands up in front of me, “Not even my own hands.” And the only thing I can hear is my own breathing, nothing else.

I thought about exploring, but what if someone is out there waiting for me? Waiting for me to make a move so possibly, they may kill me first before I kill them. Or maybe there’s nothing out there at all. If I look at both of the options, the most rational choice would be to stay here because if someone is with me in this endless space and I move, I might get killed, and if no one or anything is out there at all, then I am just wasting my time.

I should be getting back. I think to myself. I can’t leave my mom forever, can I? Suddenly, it dawns on me. What if I can never leave this black room? What if I’ve been exiled here for the rest of my life?

Sweat begins to drop down my face and my stomach twists. “I can’t stay here forever. I can’t leave my mom!” I yell out, hoping someone hears me.

But perhaps… this is only a dream? Yes, of course, this is only a dream. I thought and slowly sat down.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not going to leave you. Just wait for me; I’ll be back in a little while.” I smile.

The darkness begins to fade as if the room was listening to my own thoughts. “See, Mom? I’m coming back now.”

For the most part, I was telling myself this, not my mother. I knew deep in my heart that I wasn’t reassuring my mother, but my own self. I was afraid to be alone in the darkness. I was afraid that I’d never hear anyone else again; that I’d never see anyone I love. Even though I knew this black room was only a figment of my imagination, I could not let go of the fact that this might be real.

I might be trapped here forever.

I place my hand on my neck, unconsciously trying to rub the warmth away from my body. As I rub, I realize, there’s no moisture on my neck. I open my eyes wide in fear.

Someone is breathing down my neck.

I blank out, and before I realize it, I am swept away from the dark room.