Doris (馬春婷) All children are afraid of something. It may be darkness, solitude or heights. My childhood fear was chocolate. People thought I was strange. To some people, chocolate is a luxury and a treat. But when I was a child, it gave me nightmares. When I was little, my brother gave me a pack of chocolate. I ate a piece and suddenly felt horrible. It was bitter, a taste I hate. I have never fully recovered, and still can not stand chocolate. Annie (呂含之) I was afraid of the dark. Every night before I went to sleep, my mom had to force me to turn off the light, explaining: “Sorry. You must learn to adapt to the dark.” One night, after we said “good night,” she turned off the light. I was overcome with anxiety until a warm hug embraced me. “Don’t be anxious dear. I will be your companion till the end.” We all have fears, so what we need is somebody to stand by us and help us though them. In my childhood, I called that person “Mom.” Joseph (張昕淳) I was afraid of the dark and ghosts. If I had to go into the basement or into a dark room, I was terrified that something would seize me. It might be a hand stretching out from the darkness, or a ghost in the corner. I couldn’t sleep for fear of ghosts. Ghosts lurked around every corner. Maybe they were under my bed! Wayne (謝孝君) I was afraid of my grandma. Although she spoilt me, she had a formidable temper. Moreover, she did not allow me to play outside because she thought the world is too dangerous. Once I went out with my friends without grandma’s permission. When I came back, she punished me. We had a difficult relationship from then on. Though now I know that she was trying to protect me, it is a dark shadow over my golden childhood. | 