Andrea was very afraid of darkness. She never stayed alone in the dark. She didn’t even sleep in the dark. When the lights went off, every shadow appeared to her like a monster. Her parents tried to explain to her that monsters don’t exist. Andrea listened to their parents and tried not to react on such stupid things. But she still felt whenever it was dark around her.
Next morning, Aunt Lucy came to visit them. Lucy was a very strong lady. She was very famous for her bravery as she went on many adventurous journeys. Andrea wanted to be like her aunt. So, the next day, she discussed her fear with Aunt Lucy. She asked her how she could become brave like her. Then Aunt Lucy said, “I remembered the day when I was a kid, and I was so afraid of darkness. I couldn’t stay in the dark even for a second.”
It was very difficult for Andrea to believe this and she said, “How is it possible that someone so daring could have been afraid of darkness? I think you are making me a fool.” Aunt Lucy laughed, “It is true, my dear. Now, I am going to tell you a secret.” Andrea was very excited to know about the secret. She was looking at her Aunt with twinkling eyes. Then Aunt Lucy said, “When I was very young, a family shifted next to my house. There was a blind girl in the family whose name was Emily. Soon, she became a very good friend of mine. One night, she came to my birthday party and we were all enjoying. Suddenly, the lights went off for a minute and I started crying. Then, Emily held my hand and told me not to be afraid.”
“The next day, I asked her the secret of being so brave. But she started laughing and said, ‘I can’t see anything even in the brightness. So, there is no need to be afraid of darkness. The blind people shut the eyes of their faces and open the eyes of their hands; From that day, I was never afraid of darkness.” Then, Aunt Lucy added on, “At night when you feel afraid, close your eyes. Then, go and feel with your hands what’s making you afraid.” At night, Andrea did exactly the same. When she felt afraid, she closed her eyes and touched a mysterious thing. She started feeling that mysterious thing. It was so soft and smooth. Soon a big smile came on her face. “It’s my teddy bear!” she cried. The next morning, she told her aunt.
