Close Your Eyes

A Story by Kiddo

Afraid of the dark. She was still afraid of the dark. And now it was all that was left to her. Darkness meant you couldn’t defend yourself. You couldn’t know what was coming, what was hiding... or waiting to pounce in the shadows. This isn’t pitch black, but it is a world made of shadows, forced into a mask of night. Darkness... She could feel it; like a blast of cold. Darkness and a command. A plea. “Close your eyes”. Eyes shut tight, she is alone with a darkness she herself has made. Lost and scared... a feeling so familiar and all the more terrible for that familiarity. She reaches for someone that will protect her and guide through this. She can feel him close, cold and warm at the same time. The sound of breath, the first touch of a hand to lead her away. Where was she? Her only sense of direction is her place in relation to him. Yes... Closer... “Close your eyes...” She had found him, he felt it, and she felt it. “Follow me...” Find me. Lead me to the light, to the world where I can be alive at last. The journey ends. He touches her, gently, with the delicacy of fear. His touch ignites her. Warmth spreads through, caressing her. A kiss is given as a gift. He does not ask this, he does not command it. This kiss is that of the lost; of falling in love with home. Amidst this fear, this confusion, there is a home and an end. “Close your eyes.” Close your eyes and I will make it all go away. He pulls her closer, taking her in. She connects their lips in the darkness... Still her eyes are closed. If she lets go now, she will fall into a chaos... A void that is the lack of him. She longs to be closer. The warmth she discovers shocks her. Amid everything, something is changing. “Tell me you love me.” Because I am home at last in your kiss. Protect me and keep me with you. He is her everything now. They tumble and fall to a soft place in his arms. “Close your eyes”, he whispers. She does not need to be told. Her eyes are closed, for all she can conceive to do now is feel. No more searching.... no more waiting. “Trust me…” She slips even deeper into his intoxication. She gives in... The borders between pain, sensation and pleasure are all gone. It doesn’t matter anymore. This is completion; fulfillment. This is home. They are complete together. There is no more fear, no more pain, no lies, and no loneliness. They have become one person... Her eyes are open now.