New Fear Unlocked!
Night changes... So does fear
When I was nine years old, I was certain about so many things. My ideas felt solid, unshakable, and clear. But as I grew older and stronger, I began to notice that my once "iron-clad" state of mind was slowly starting to melt away.
I used to believe that the most intelligent people lived in America. I had a firm mindset that grades were the only thing that mattered to a student’s success. I told myself that if I ever had a career in the future, it would be as a doctor.
I also believed that dogs were the only creatures capable of making my soul vanish if they came near me. I was terrified of them, convinced that nothing else in my life could scare me as much as dogs did. I used to dream of dogs biting my leg, waking up screaming for help. If I saw a dog on the street, I wouldn’t dare pass through. It became etched in my young mind:
Dogs are my biggest fear.
I soon turned 10, and before I knew it, I was 16. So much has changed in my life—people have changed, and new faces have entered my circle. If nothing else remained constant, my fears changed too.
Even now, as I write this, I’m still terrified of dogs. But over the past few years, I unlocked a new fear:
The fear of losing my relationships.
The fear of losing my loved ones.
You might have read books of many different genres, but I’ve met people of different genres. I choose to stay connected with those who truly deserve a bond, no matter their “genre.” I’m even friends with people who have the shortest temper—it doesn’t mean I don’t value them.
Anger, love, hate... these are all human emotions.
So why don’t we allow humans the space to be human? I often see people ending relationships just because someone has flaws or doesn’t meet their expectations. But for me, it’s not that simple.
I fear losing my relationships, my loved ones, just because of imperfections. That’s my biggest fear.
.
My family, my friends... These are the people I wanna spend my life with. Life changes! Sure, it does. But I want the change with them.
As much as I feared dogs, one never bit me.
I almost want to hold on to this fear, as if it could somehow ensure that the people I love will never leave me.
But sadly, a dog may never bite me in my lifetime—while my relationships and the people I cherish won’t stay forever.
Still, I refuse to let my fear win this one. Never.
I won my race; If not my fear— Against the Dogs
I want to win, Again this time—I fear the loss!
Author's note:
Losing family is at the top of the list of my people. More precisely, my parents. And then all my friends.
What is your UNLOCKED FEAR? I'd love to know~
About the Creator
Maryam Batool
I'm 17
I'm a storyteller who loves poems, fiction, and romance. Creativity is my constant companion. I take joy in turning thoughts into worlds. Writing is my way of exploring life and connecting with others
Ready to let my writing bloom!
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Comments (12)
Captures the poignant evolution of fears and priorities over time, emphasising the deep emotional transition from childhood anxieties to adult concerns about relationships and loss. A beautifully introspective piece that resonates with the universal experience of growing up and facing life's uncertainties.
I have severe abandonment issues and attachment issues, so your fear of losing people was soooo relatable. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to deal with this. I just wish people don't leave but they always do 🥺🥺
Congratulations on another award - you are kicking goals! I would be devastated if I lost my two little dogs - they are my life.
It seems like we got a few things in common. One thing I want to stress about is that don't let your fears get in the way of your daily life, face it or don't allow it to get darker as they will be hard to overcome when it's become more complicated with time. A hard lesson I learned about life... It seems you are brave, strong minded. You got this!
Very beautifully explained, Maryam.
I have to admit, the title of this piece both drew me in and made me afraid to read it 😬 I’ve got enough of my own fears, I don’t need another unlocked! But I’m glad I did read it. Thank you for bringing this story through to the hopeful conclusion 💚
That's a very thoughtful and deep piece Maryam.💕 I think everyone has this fear of losing their loved ones quite up on the list, but it somehow doesn't seem so desperate if you can have the hope to see each other in paradise, in sha Allah 💗 I must say I totally agree with Komal, the time seems to run quicker and quicker, slipping like sand between my fingers, therefore I am afraid the moments will be gone before I really, fully and truly appreciate them!🥺
Ahhh! It’s touching how you value relationships despite imperfections, holding on to the beauty of connection even in the face of fear. As for my unlocked fear? It’s probably the fear of time slipping away too fast—moments passing before I’ve fully embraced them. Your words remind me that cherishing what and who we have is the way to beat those fears. Keep winning your races, one at a time!🤗💖✨
"Ohh! This is written very deeply. The fear of losing something is necessary, isn't it? Otherwise, when we lose something in life, we won't even realize how precious it is to us. It’s important; it’s sacred. I’m not very afraid of dogs, but we are scared of stray dogs, right? Once, a dog bit me, and I still have a scar on my chest. 😀😀😀 As a child, I was very afraid of the dark, but that's normal. Seriously, I don't even know what my greatest fear is now. I've never thought about it. Losing family and loved ones is a very big fear, but I haven’t lost anyone yet. ✨ Very beautifully crafted piece!
This is such a heartfelt reflection on fear and relationships. I really connect with your struggle to hold onto the people we love, despite their imperfections. Your journey from fearing dogs to fearing loss is beautifully expressed—it makes me think about what truly matters in life. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, this hits right at the core of heart. Everyone has this fear of losing family and friends. I hope your family stays with you, as long as possible. God bless you and your family ❤
Don't be afraid of pet dogs, as sometimes they are more loyal than humans your article reminds me of my dreams with the ferocity, every time I saw her attacking me, I would take her from her mouth and tear her into two halves