The Lights Went Out Again

The lights went out again, plunging everyone into total darkness. The darkness was complete, snuffing out all light, from the overhead fluorescent lights to the afternoon sun shining through the window. Not a single blinky LED remained flashing. No flashlight would work. Nothing. The blackness was unreal – like an incorporeal monster snuffing out all light. I had seen such a darkness before, so I swallowed hard and braced for the fallout.

As before, our world plunged into chaos as books flew off of the shelves of their own accord, pelting everyone around. Pain led to panic, and within a few seconds I could hear nothing but blood-curdling screams. I was almost glad that the lights went out, so I wouldn’t have to see the carnage around me.

And then, as quickly as it began, it was all over. The lights came back in an instant, with no flicker or warm-up. The computer screens shone as if nothing had happened, and streams of sunlight came through the windows once more. Every book was in its place. And while dozens of patrons cowered on the floor, not a single one was injured. Everything was normal again, except for the panic and terror that lingered in the room.

Discussion

Were you afraid of the dark as a kid? Does darkness still scare you? Let me know in the comment section.