Dear Fear,

 

How are you?

I just wanted to check up on you.

You’ve been around constantly lately.

When are you going to go home?

It’s not that I don’t appreciate you,

It’s just that I can’t do anything anymore.

I can’t leave the house.

There are too many unknown possibilities

Out there.

 

I know that it’s silly to think these things,

But they are very real to me.

I’ve gotten used to you by now,

The burning pain in my chest,

The lies I tell in order to stay safe.

I used to be able to escape

With the help of literature

And all the lovable characters,

But its all gone bland.

 

You’ve evolved since I was a kid.

It’s not the dark to be afraid of,

But what’s hiding inside.

There is no monster under the bed,

But you better check inside your head.

The shadow on your wall can’t move,

But what about the man outside your door?

Getting sucked down the drain is harmless

But weapons aren’t.

 

Don’t drive too fast

Don’t close your eyes

Look behind you

He will kill you

The dog will bite you

Keep the lights on

Lock the door

Stranger danger

Please go home.

Sincerely, a worried friend