"When put into perspective, fear doesn’t have to take a toll on life itself just because it takes a toll on the mind."-ZY, 2022
Fear is an emotion, not a lifestyle.
But currently, it doesn’t feel like that.
It’s one o’clock.
It’s one o’clock and my head is spinning.
It’s one o’clock and my ears are ringing.
It’s one o’clock and-
Oh god.
I’m a mess.
I’ve lost my spark.
I can’t find the key.
I can’t be fixed.
I won’t be fixed.
I can’t find the missing piece of the puzzle.
I’m broken.
Beyond repair.
I can’t-
I won’t-
I’ve lost-
I’m lost.
It’s one o’clock and . . . I’m a mess . . .
It’s six oh five.
It’s six oh five and the sun is starting to rise.
It’s six oh five and the light is starting to shine.
It’s six oh five and-
It’s changing.
I’m changing.
Wait! No!
It’s six oh six.
It’s six oh six and it’s too bright.
It’s six oh six and I can’t see.
I’m blinded.
But not by the sun.
Or the light.
But, by the darkness.
It’s six o'clock and I’m blinded by my darkness . . .
It’s four o’clock.
It’s four o’clock and I feel fine.
It’s four o’clock and there are no tears.
It’s four o’clock and there is no fear.
No darkness.
No sound.
Nothing.
Silence.
Wait! Listen!
Nothing.
No shallow breathing.
No stifled cries.
One long, deep breath.
Then . . .
Silence.
by Zara Yasmine, Year 10