I am pulling the sides of my world

tight around me. It doesn’t

need to be so big. I feel

safer with the walls drawn close,

there are fewer corners for evil to

hide in, fewer shadows to harbor

nightmares. The walls are

thicker now, people can’t see in

anymore and I don’t hear their

noise. I turn my tv up loud

and snuggle up with my dog.

This is all I need.

by Cher Bibler