Do you have a yearning for the stars? Do you find yourself being drawn to the moon? The sensation is visceral. It’s an inexplicable desire. Well, you’re a special kind of special person. You’re known as a nyctophile — someone who thrives on the night.
You might have a good case of nyctophilia.
Don’t worry, it’s not an awful disease. Humans have many inexplicable foibles built into their DNA. Some of us love being in the forest. Others enjoy basking in the sunshine. Some of us feel free when bathing in the open sea, while others get a natural high staring into a crackling campfire.
Some say it’s our psyche’s wish to return us to our origins — a time when we lived by the laws of earth, wind and fire. We ache in response to our inner ancestor’s desires. It’s natural. That’s all. There is a particular type of serial killer out there too.
Did I just switch and say, a serial killer?
Yes. I did. I said it because I need to warn you about your crazy nighttime fixation. It’s going to get you killed.
If you’re a nyctophile, then beware. A serial killer is looking for you. I can’t say it any other way. There’s a strong possibility you’re a target and you’ll become a victim. Five have already been taken. Five more will go before this season is over.
What makes you think you can walk into the night without a care in the world anyway? Forget about all that ancestral earth, wind and fire bullshit, in modern times what you’re doing is illogical. You can’t see into the dark. Your eyes aren’t made for it. Fear should prevail. It’s normal to fear what you can’t see. It’s not safe to go out at night. The danger is real.
There’s a simple reason to why you feel comfort and safety in the night:
Trust.
You have come to trust the night too much.
Fool.
All the victims have been nyctophiles who trusted the night too much. They wandered out of the illuminated areas of the city because they’ve never had a problem with the night before. They put their hand close to something that’s never shown its teeth.
The night bites.
These people also placed their trust in people like me. I’m neither trustworthy nor a nyctophile, but I certainly act like I’m both. My genuineness is distracting, misleading.
To be honest, if history has proved anything, my daytime character is dependable to a fault. Sometimes it’s tiresome to be this good all the time. That’s why I need a break from myself. I have to go out into the night, not because I adore the darkness, but because I’m drawn to those it attracts. I have a primal need of my own. Mine feeds off the fear I see in those who trust the night too much.
There are plenty of foolish nyctophiles out there. One won’t make it through tonight. One will ignore fear and remain fixated on the dark.
I’m glad for their unwavering confidence. I need it — I can’t have nyctophiles develop a fearful streak and stay away. I need their blood to quench the fire that rages inside me.
Creep you later!
Discover more from Michael Forman – Author of Dark Fiction & Drama
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