Nicotitto from Unsplash.
Lead image was edited using Canva
I felt the cold breeze touch my face as I closed my room window. While doing, I could hear the creaking sound as the hinge was on the verge of losing from the coconut wood. It was dark outside as the moon's light could barely be passed since trees surrounded our house. I couldn't help but to felt a little bit scared.Silently cursing myself for forgetting to close the window before twilight. Suddenly I felt someone tagging my shirt; when I looked down saw my niece Jen. She was already frowning, and I knew she was already sleepy by looking into her eyes. So I carry her and put her in our Katre (a term used for a bed frame made of bamboo). Jen was almost one year old, and I took care of her at night since her mother worked in the city. Outside I could hear my parents preparing to sleep while listening to the news from the local radio channel. We don't yet have electricity. It took only a few minutes, and Jen was already sleeping soundly. I was done with my assignment, too, so I blew the fire from the kerosene lamp and set it aside. They lay down in bed.
I was almost asleep when or maybe fallen asleep for quite a while when I felt movements in our room. I was so sleepy, so I just opened one eye to check.
Though it was a little dark, I saw a Black silhouette near the window. Oh, it's Mother! I concluded as it was standing near where I placed the Aceite de manzanilla. Maybe she will be applying some to Jen. Ahhhh, she thought I forgot? I was too lazy to talk as my eyes fell, so I didn't mind. Just a minute after, I saw Nanay ( how we address our Mom) bending into us, trying to reach Jen. Hay naku, si Nanay, ulit-ulit Nalagyan ko na nga lagyan pa ulit Bahala ka diyan! I was a little bit annoyed already. Then she moved back to the window. I was awake already as I suddenly felt hot; waiting for Nanay to leave, but she was still standing at the window.
Huh? I was about to ask here, but she was gone! I mean, I could no longer see a silhouette! Ahhh, maybe because the moon was hidden in the clouds? So I moved downward, extending my feet as I wanted to touch her. I know she is still there! I moved and moved, and my toe touches the wall! No human body, just the wall!! How could it happen? I didn't hear her footsteps as she went out of our room. The door! I haven't heard her close the door! (the door in my room was made of bamboo, and you need to slide it to open and close). My heart was already beating so fast! I hurriedly get up from the bed and checked the door. It was closed. Then I realized I didn't hear it open. I was a light sleeper.
Nanay, nanay! I called my Mom with a shaky voice.
What? What is wrong with you? my father answered.
Did Nanay go inside our room? I asked.
What? You Mom was already sleeping soundly.
With that, I hurriedly opened our door, picked up Jen in the bed, and stormed outside our room! I was already crying; who was that silhouette? I was so scared! Was it a man? ( My Mom had a boy's hair cut, so I thought it was her).
That night, we slept beside my parents, which lasted for a month before I got the courage to return to our room—praying that it would not happen again.
Only I thought, as it was only the beginning of my nightmare! That man keeps visiting me at night in my dreams from time to time.
Every time it happened, I suffered from sleep paralysis. The more I prayed more he became assertive. Often, he is standing beside me, towering over me in my sleep, watching me.
Image by Kinga Cichewicz from Unsplash.
I even consulted a what they called paranormal for a cure. I badly wanted to have a decent sleep all the time. She gave me something to wear as protection.
One time, it was almost morning when he suddenly visited me. He was more assertive this time and seems wanted me to go with him. I felt so hot, like burning, even though the electric fan was at full speed. No, I don't want to go with him wherever it is. I was already crying in my sleep, desperately calling for help from Jas (my housemate that graduated from theology and was soon to be a priest), but no voice came from my mouth. I felt so weak and could not move.
I thought he would succeed, but thanks to Marites ( my roommate for waking me up). I told Jasper what had happened, and he answered.
Les, in a case like that, don't call me, nor anyone, just HIM. Only him. He is the most powerful above all
Not only him told me that, but also someone special to me. He believed I lack in faith that is why it happened.
With that, I started talking to HIM and visiting the church. Also, I did some research, and I found out that negative emotions, being emotionally unstable, often attracts negative elements. Grudges, despair, loneliness, frustrations, name it. I had those carrying in me for years. Then I realized that man was always visiting me in my weakest state or peak of anger. So I learned to let go of those, and thankful I did maybe because maturity hit me why it was easier for me.
Gradually, as my dull life started became colorful and the emptiness, and loneliness I felt was filled with happiness. I just realized one day, my constant visitor was gone!
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