The Fear Loop — Where Freedom Is Only An Illusion
Adrenaline flows freely as I run desperately down the dark alleyway towards the busy street. If I can just get out into the open I should be safe. But with the thundering of what sounds to be numerous feet smacking the ground in pursuit, I find myself doubting my freedom.
How long is this alley anyway?
With the sun setting and the towering walls stretching high overhead, a deep shadow now blankets the damp, musty breezeway. The stench of rotting flesh and steaming sewer sting my nostrils as I gasp for air.
How long have I been running?
With the increasing clamor of my pursuers on my heels, I can almost feel their heavy breath moistening the back of my neck. As I turn to see the pack of wolves growling down on me, I trip over what could possibly have been a body laying limp in the middle of the alleyway.
What was that and where did it come from?
Rolling forward while looking back to take in the flashes of comic-like scenes, I realize that the apparently lifeless body lying on the ground resembles… ME!!! I can’t be certain but I have a strange sensation that I have been here before. Déjà vu sets in as this time loop settles into reality.
I’ve been here before?!
Conflicted with risking my demise in order to investigate more closely the wounded body which lays behind or yielding to my instincts of survival and continue forward, I freeze momentarily. Out of fear of my shadowy pursuers, I leap to my feet already kicking to find traction, speed, and ultimate escape.
I fear I just left part of me to die!
As the darkness collapses around me, I see the end a few strides ahead. Light so intense causes me to squint and cover my eyes. Reaching the end of the alley and into freedom from what could only be described as demons, I turn my face as I enter the hot white light. Just before I’m engulfed by the pure light, I catch a glimpse of what I thought to have been a dead body start to stir. I try to scream but nothing comes as the scene fades and I lose consciousness.
Ruuuunn…!!!!
My eyes flutter open with my ears thumping at what could be described as a thousand pounding tribal drums. It’s dark and damp as I start to come to. Then in an instant my senses heighten. To my right I see a cloud of sorts, a black mist rolling forcefully towards me. Fear sets in. Not knowing what to do I pause. Suddenly to my left I see a bright flash of light and hear a faint sound, a voice maybe.
How did I get here?
It happened so quickly I wondered if I actually heard a voice or was it merely panic screaming in my head. There was only one word I heard. One word in a guttural scream that jolted me to my feet. It was fuzzy at first, but now there’s no doubt what I heard — no felt. That word animated my entire being. Hurt, lost, and confused I started to move — I obeyed the commanded warning and began to run!
Adrenaline flows freely as I run desperately down the dark alleyway…
