{Please… don't do this}
When I was a child, I always remember hearing whispers in the dark.
Most nights, I would wake one of my siblings and ask, "Do you hear that too?"… but no one else ever did.
Madness? Or hallucinations?
Who knows, maybe I was just imagining it.
But deep inside, I knew there was something speaking to me—
like a demon's voice begging for mercy.
°My body shivered°
Who spoke? I'm certain I'm the only one here.
My legs froze; I couldn't move.
The lighter wouldn't work—this is not the time, please, just work.
Slow footsteps were approaching me.
Whoever you are, stop this heavy prank, or I might do something you won't like in the end.
Silence fell once again.
Well, it must have been a mouse that made the noise [I lie to myself—how could a mouse make such a walking sound?]
It doesn't matter; I'll walk along the wall until I find the door.
This way, I won't trip or step on anything.
See? I'm exaggerating—there's no one here.
I should leave before the maid comes searching for me…
[Something touched my shoulder—I swear, someone is behind me.]
°This is no longer a hallucination—something is really here°
°Should I turn? My body won't move!°
°I feel like I'm facing something I should never see°
I slowly turned, tense and scared.
Who… are you?!
[A woman's voice emerges from the shadows]
"…Your eternal sleep is near… I will finally be happy… you criminal."
That was the last thing I heard before finding myself lying in bed, with the maid and the doctor by my side.
°You're awake, sir… thank God• she began to cry°
The doctor started asking me what I remembered before I fainted.
In truth, I told them I had gone down just to get a box of pens.
I felt a strange presence there, yet I couldn't clearly remember it…
as if something was blocking my memory.
The doctor spoke to me gently, gave me some medication, and advised rest during my leave.
I sat in my place, thinking about all this… Is this what they call a breakdown?
I have always avoided reaching this stage… but it seems exhaustion and pressure were stronger than me.
I wondered how my father remained strong despite illness and overwork…
while I, in contrast, trembled at the mere shadow and whispers in the dark.
I remember him in his office—a brilliant lawyer, loved by everyone, treating people with integrity and kindness, instilling trust and respect in everyone around him.
He would always smile at strangers and listen attentively to anyone seeking advice, no matter how small.
I remember his funeral… the whole world was mourning, yet I couldn't ignore a conflicting feeling.
It wasn't just sorrow—it was genuine respect and sincere admiration.
The streets were filled with people: colleagues in law, neighbors, and all who had encountered his noble character.
Even those who had never met him personally came to witness the value of a man beloved beyond measure.
And I… I was there, a child losing what I held most once again… watching them and questioning deeply:
"What is the value of life if everyone departs, and if one is forced to face darkness alone?"
That day marked the beginning of profound awareness within me…
an understanding that respect and status do not grant relief from psychological pain, and that life can be cruel no matter how hard one tries to overcome it…
in the end, it will likely shatter anyway.
"I have learned that life gives nothing but pain, and staying alive is not victory—it is merely postponing the inevitable death