At night, there was only silence outside. The TV was left on since you enjoyed the background noise. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful. Your eyes closed as you lay in your bed. You fell asleep.

Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock on the wall was gently ticking. Ring. The clock rang as it hit midnight. You awoke to the feeling of something standing over you. You looked up and saw them—the monster that has been haunting you since you were a child. You decided to name them Kali.

Kali narrowed their eyes at you and began smiling. Their sharp teeth were very visible. It was terrifying. You couldn't move simply because your fear was overtaking you just like how it has for your entire life.

You should've been used to seeing them at this point, but nearly every time you saw them, they seemed scarier. There have only been a few times when they seemed soft, gentle, and nonfrightening.

Kali leaned down closer to your face still smiling at you. They placed a hand gently on your head and began caressing your hair almost in a caring way. Like they were trying to soothe you.

"My host, it is alright. Today, I will not bring you any harm. You can relax."

They said in a gentle voice as they closed their mouth to not scare you further.