david_prophet

Sometimes, when I'm trying to fall asleep, I'll close my eyes and imagine that I'm somewhere else. Usually, this other place is somewhere you'd never imagine sleeping - somewhere dangerous or uncomfortable like a battlefield or on the harsh cliffs of a tall mountain. And that by itself would seem like a ridiculous way to try to fall asleep, but in my imagination, I've always managed to find a safe little spot hidden away from the elements and dangers around me. In that, I find a strange sense of serenity and comfort, though I can't explain why. Often, I'll spend a good while detailing the specifics in my mind's eye, especially focusing on the dangerous or inhospitable parts and how nearby I am to them all. This seems to underline how comfortable, warm, and safe the confines of my bed are and usually, I'm in dreamland in no time. Sometimes, to enhance the illusion, I'll cover my face with a pillow or a blanket. I guess it's the same feeling as I had when I little and I'd hide under my blankets, absolutely convinced that it was the only barrier between me and hoards of ravenous closet monsters. Perhaps invoking that feeling of childhood innocence is a bit of a narcotic all by itself.

I'm reading "The Child Thief" by Brom. Normally, I'm wary of people who insist that people call them by a single name, but I let it go this time. A dark and distinctively adult retelling of the "Peter Pan" story seemed like it wasn't to be missed. So far, I haven't been let down.