Fight or Flight

Sleep. I’m asleep.
Deep down dark in dream country.
I’m wading through black water, which is quickly becoming thicker.
It morphs from water to a pudding-like consistency. I’m trying to walk through it, but I can’t move my legs well. I’m stuck.

See. Then I see it. It’s got green glowing eyes. It’s a big black amorphous creature. It’s behind me. It wants my blood. It can smell me. I smell like food. It lives in this black water or pudding whatever it is. It’s comfortable here. I don’t know this place. But I’ve got to get through. I’ve got to keep going. I have no choice. If I don’t keep moving, this thing will get me.

Feel. I can feel my heart racing in my chest. It’s trapped in a tiny cage, trying to escape. My heart wants out. But it can’t jump.

Jump. I’m startled by a sound. I can’t tell where it’s coming from.

Run. I want to run away, but I’m trapped. Trapped in a black gelatinous existence.

Trouble. The trouble is, I know it’s coming after me.

Sweat. I begin to sweat. I can feel the droplets on my face first. Slowly they drip down my forehead onto my neck. I’m breathing heavily and heart wants out of my chest. It’s bursting. My breath is shallow. I know it’s close.

Push. I can push through the blackness. I can get away. I’m drenched in sweat from the exertion. My whole body hurts.

Hurt. I hurt. I hurt all over. I’ll get through this. I’ll get away.

Eyes. I can see its eyes. They’re glowing. They know all about me.

Teeth. The black monster opens its mouth and reveals sharp fangs. It is hungry and I am food. I will get away. I will escape.

Escape. My leg muscles are burning. I’m trying to run, but I’m standing still.

Still. Stillness. I breathe. In and out. In and out. I’m here.

I’m still here.

Here. All I can do is be here in this moment.

Moment. It’s just one moment. It’s scary, but it won’t last forever. I can out run the fear. I may be alone, but I am strong.

Strong. Strength is knowing when you’re weak and still moving forward.

Forward. I will keep moving. I will not stop.

Stop.

Breathe.

Stop.

Don’t think.

Be strong.