(877) Fear Of The Unknown

The wind was strong and the dust blew viciously. Walking on a dirt road, not sure of my destination. I encountered a coyote standing in the distance. My first thought was to turn and run and then I realized that might not be a good idea. I slowly walked, placing one foot quietly in front of the other, while keeping my eye on the coyote. The animal did not move, it stood in the same position. Fearful as I was, I didn’t want the animal to know my fear. I bravely took step after step and walked toward the road. Finally I reached a crossing in the road. When I turned to look back the coyote was gone. At that point, I felt sure I was safe and continued to walk down the road. When I approached an old shack at the road clearing, I noticed paw prints on the soft ground. Immediately I thought, what animal made those prints, surely it wasn’t the coyote that I encountered earlier, certainly not, don’t be silly I thought to myself. Once again I continued to walk forward. I could feel butterflies in my stomach. What were those prints on the ground. Trying not to think about it, I began to walk faster and faster. Suddenly I heard a noise, it sounded like a scratching noise behind me. Oh what now, could that be the coyote. My heart was racing and the sweat poured down my face causing my eyes to sting. My vision blurred by my perspiration, I was beside myself and was feeling very sick to my stomach. Never before, have I been so afraid, never so unsure of myself. I wanted to run, but once again wondered if the animal that was following me might run and attack me.