Characters: Jerome
Word count: 456
Extra notes: I thought of two ways this story could go, so that's why there's gonna be v1 and v2

     ~Jerome's P.O.V.~

I never understood why most people are afraid of the dark.

As far back as I can remember, I've always loved it. The dark is a place to hide during hide and seek. The dark is the place laser tag is played in. The dark provided shade from the scorching sun on a hot summer day. The dark is what surrounds you at night, keeping you in a wonderful sleep until the daylight break through, and disturbs your slumber. The dark is when the stars shine bright, an amazing sight to see. And in times of sadness or anger, the dark is somewhere to escape to, to be alone and have some space to think. So naturally, when people told me they were afraid of the dark, I was confused.

Every time I'd ask someone to explain why they were afraid of the dark, the answer is usually along the lines of: 'I'm scared of the dark, not because of the dark itself, but because of the things that lurk there.' Or something like that. But I'd laugh, in a sort of confused way. I wouldn't ask again but I'd still be left even more confused than before. Sure, horror movies depict killer dolls and creepy little girls hiding in the depths of a dark room... But even a child should know that it's just a movie, and things like that aren't real. The only thing that might be 'lurking' in the dark is a pet, an insect, or maybe a spider. But definitely not something paranormal from the movies, waiting to jump out and kill you. And as for those 'bumps in the night', you can always find something that, when moved in a certain way, makes that noise. It just takes a bit of patience. Yet even still... Pretty much everyone I know is afraid of their basement, attic, old houses, etc. The ghosts will come for you! Woo, woo woo. Pffft yeah sure, I'll believe it when I see it.

~~~

     It's dark. Expected since it's the middle of the night. I'm lying on my bed, tucked under my thick covers with my hands folded on top of my chest. I blink, but don't close my eyes. I can't fall asleep. Can't close my eyes. Not because I'm restless and having trouble falling asleep... Because I won't.

     I never understood why most people are afraid of the dark.

     The shadow, for the millionth time, passes by my doorframe. But this time... It walks in. And then a light, ghastly laugh, barely audible rings out.

     I do now.

~~~