The Back Door

"Oh yeah, The front door is stuck, so we'll have to unlock it from inside." my brother called as he pulled into the dark drive; the automatic lights came on in the yard as we got closer.               I hopped out of the car and pulled out my new keys. "I'll unlock it!" I called, as my Mom, sister and brother started to unload. I tramped along the path to the back door. The darkness crowded close around me;  Shadows started sneaking up behind me when my back was turned, I glanced around uncomfortably alone. It sure took a long time for the automatic light to come on so I could see the door. I slowly put my key into the lock. I started to reached for the handle but couldn't. large towering figures with hammers, axes and knives, were crouching inside the door. Waiting to strangle me, attack me... or maybe even ghosts... white and shocked, hiding, floating in the corners. I took a step back. A face appearing in the darkness... A hand reaching for my shoulder... I spun around quickly watching all sides at once. 

I could almost feel it. In the darkness... just out of sight... surrounded.
I turned to go back, and tell someone else to open the door... I don't have to do this. I thought. I'll just wait at the car. Then I stopped. 

How could I do that? Me, nineteen years old, afraid of the dark? Sure some fears are valid, but there wasn't anything on the other side of this door. Sure some of those horror scenes come true, but I can't live petrified by those chances. I have to face this, and grow up. With a uncertain grip, I opened the bolt with a clack, the door opened with a creak. The whole house was pitch black. In the corner, behind the shelf.. they were hiding.  I took a step in. Shaking and turning back to run; I pushed another foot forward.

I flicked a light switch that lit a small fan overhead. Burglars wearing big black jackets and hats pulled over their eyes, carrying stranglers and chloroform crouched in every black corner. No! I scolded. I'm grown up now.
Across the room was another switch, that one made everything brighter... but, behind the backroom door? With an inward sarcastic laugh at myself, I flung it open and marched to the garage door.
"Yes mom, I'll open the door!" I called to the others who just got to the other side.
Using my keys, I unlatched the door and let them in. Soon the living room was bright and busy.
I gave a satisfied smile as the burglars snuck out through the cracks, and the ghosts and video game bad guys went up with a poof of smoke. I passed this challenge.
Like General Patton said, "Even if your not really brave, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference."