Nyctophobia

Opening the familiar door to your room, tired from a long day. As the door opens, you are suddenly aware of how late it's gotten by the sheer wall of darkness in your room. You try to steady your breath, which has picked up suddenly. Your hands shake, your eyes widen, and your heart shriveles in fear. Time slows to a crawl. You can't hear what's going on behind you, your fear is on your tongue. You stand frozen on the threshold of your room, that darkness seeming to reach out. You are brought back by a hand on your shoulder. "What's the matter? It's just dark." 

That is the matter, isn't it? That tiny thing that you should be over by 10, and yet it still paralyzes you. Makes you feel tiny and alone.

As a prank, someone shuts out all the lights, leaving the room pitch black. A scream is ripped out of you as you panic. You move towards any light, or to a wall, so you can try and pretend the darkness wasn't why you screamed. You're hyperventilating, moving into a fetal position. It's everywhere...you start to hallucinate. The lights flash back on, leaving you relieved and looking like an idiot.