I called, my small feet padding softly across the carpet towards the hallway door. No response came as I gingerly peered out into the hallway. Waiting for me was absolute, complete, darkness. It seemed as if all the light had been sucked out of the world. I could barely see the door to the bathroom three feet from me. I hesitated now. I knew that I was in the safety of my own home. I knew that nothing was likely to hurt me. Even my four year old self could see that. But peering into that inpenetrable darkness, i knew. Whatever lied in the deep shadows ahead wasn't my home. This darkness was otherworldly. My eyes made no sign of adjusting to it, as i backed into my room. My heart was racing, the darkness and the nightmare too much for my young self to handle. I was just about to fling myself into bed and cower under the covers when it happened.