It is another beautiful day! I wake up happily and, together with Feathers, go downstairs. I greet my parents, eat breakfast, and then, leave for school. Selena and Rafael are waiting for me at the intersection.

“She finally told me where you two meet!” Rafael says when he sees me.

“We first had to check out if you were worthy.” Selena says, without any emotion in her voice.

The three of us start laughing and go to school together. But, just as we’re about to enter, Rafael says:

“Hey, Noah, where is your watch? Did you not like it?” he asks, his expression becoming sad.

“No! No no no no! That’s not it! You see… I am too afraid I’ll break it, so I keep it in my drawer, where it will be safe!”

“So, you are not going to wear it because you’re afraid you’ll break it?” Rafael asks me while looking directly into my eyes.

“Yes! It means a lot to…” I begin, but he interrupts me.

“Noah, by doing that, it’s as if it’s already broken.”

“But it isn’t. It’s…”

“It may not be broken, but the outcome is the same. Through your fear, you live as if it is broken. You want to wear it but don’t. In one outcome, you can’t wear it because of it being broken, while in this outcome, you don’t wear it because you are afraid of breaking it. Which results in the same thing. And you’re not tricking me, Noah, you’re actually afraid of people seeing you be different for once.”

He’s correct…

“Y-yes, it would attract attention…” I say embarrassed.

“And would that be a problem?” Raf asks sad.

“N-no! Yes? I don’t know! I’m afraid they won’t like it and judge me!”

“Noah, you can’t let that tell you what to do. And what if they like it? Try to think more positively! You must not allow fear to control you!”

I look down. Don’t let fear control you… Where did I? Hear it…

*

It was a stormy night. I was crying under the bed. It was so dark. Every toy seemed like a monster out to get me. I could barely see anything anymore. What should I do? I move further under the bed, but the shadows elongated in unnatural ways. If I didn’t move, they’ll get me! Terrified, I close my eyes. Tears still flow. I tell myself that it’s just a dream. I tell myself that when I wake up, it will all be over. I open my eyes, but the nightmare doesn’t disappear. Lightning strikes and I scream. Suddenly, my room’s door is thrown against the wall. Light comes from the hallway. And like an angel, my grandmother is there. Her expression is full of worry, but then, she smiles kindly. She turns on the light. Suddenly all the fears and nightmares are gone. The toys seem friendly again, and the shadows are no longer here. She gestures for me to come out. I do it, and then, the two of us sit down on my bed.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

“Y-Yeah!” I manage to say through my tears.

She hugs me and I start to calm down.

“Oh, my dear Noah… You cannot allow fears to control your life!”

“B-But… Look at it, grandma! It’s so scary!” I say while pointing at the window.

“The storm? The storm will pass.” she says.

“But the shadows?”

“Are gone. You see, Noah, all this darkness that scares you will at one point disappear. Living in its shadow doesn’t do you any good at all. If you fear something terrible. It is as if it’s happening already. You must not allow fear to control you! Do you understand?”

I nod, but some tears still flow from my eyes. My grandmother smiles gently.

“You know… There is a song I used to sing when I was little. It always reminded me to be brave! And that all will be fine! Would you like me to sing it to you?” she asks kindly.

I nod again. My grandmother clears her voice and starts to sing.

“Sleep, my darling son. Don’t let the past control you. Don’t let it obtain you. Stay brave and never fear. All the trouble that is here. The night is not so scary if you know how to turn on the light. Remember hope and love are always at your side. Tomorrow all will be okay. If you remember this, you’ll be okay.”

When she finishes, I smile and she hugs me again.

“I must admit, I changed a bit the lyrics, but the message is still there!” she says and I laugh.

“Thank you, grandma! I promise I’ll be brave!” I say.

*

I return from my memory. I look at Raf. He still looks at me. A sad look on his face. I look down. I disappointed both. Suddenly I walk away.

“You’re right!” I say with a sad tone.

“Wait! Where are you going?!” Rafael says and grabs my hand, a concerned look on his face.

“I want to be alone a bit.” I say and continue walking.

I try to smile to reassure him, but I fail. My hand slips from his.

“No! Please, Noah! I’m sorry! I shouldn’t…” Rafael says, but I interrupt.

“Raf, it’s ok… I’m fine. I just need to be alone. Please don’t follow me.” I say.

He is left speechless, and I continue my walk. It starts to rain slowly. This reminds me of the first day I met Rafael. I was miserable then, I am miserable now. I always say and do the wrong things, don’t I? I sigh. The sky darkens from the grey clouds. I look towards the forest. I can see the entrance to the meadow with the boat. I go towards it, knowing I’ll be fully alone there. The forest is dark and eerie. I look at the tall trees. I always wanted to try climbing them, but I was too afraid. When I reach the meadow, I lie down. The water from the river is agitated like it knows why I’m here. I sigh again. The rain soaks my clothes, and my hair is ruined once more. I look terrified to see if anyone’s around. I am alone. I look at the grey sky. The rain falls on my face with force. I close my eyes.