Do you ever wonder what lurks in the darkness? Look outside at night, and the light from the window shines out only to meet this expansive wall of blackness. What if there's something beyond that? Some evil that we can't see? Something that we can only imagine? What would you do if you knew that there was something out there and it was coming to get you? Is it your imagination, or did the dark beyond the circle of light become darker?

You sit in the comfort of a well lit room, in your favorite reading chair. Your favorite drink by your side. The room seems so cozy and warm, yet something in the darkness beyond the window just moved. You saw it didn't you? Just there, yes, right where you're looking. See the darkness begin to take shape and something is coming towards the window. 

You are on the edge of your seat, aren't you? I wonder why? You are inside your comfortable home, the doors and windows are locked against the coldness of the fall evening. Nothing can harm you here unless you open the door and allow it to. Yet your palms are beginning to sweat, your heart is beating more rapidly and you are breathing in short shallow breaths. Anxious are you? What can hurt you here except possibly your own imagination?

Is it the shape you see at the edge of the light? Are you tempted to open the window for a closer look? I wouldn't do that if I were you. Evil cannot reach you unless you open the door. Maybe you should just make yourself another drink. That should calm your nerves. After that, there's that book you were reading before I interrupted you. Maybe you were engrossed in a television program? It might be safer to return your attention to that. Just pull your eyes away from the window and occupy your mind with something else.

Something that will allow you to forget your fear. Something that will allow you to forget that evil exists in this world. Something that will remind you that you are safe here in your humble abode. Anything so you can forget that you were frightened by something you saw out there a moment ago. Just let it pass, just let someone else deal with whatever it is and whatever may happen. After all, it won't happen to you, not while in your sanctuary. You aren't out on the streets inviting trouble, you are safe and sound.

Almost ready for bed are we? One more round of drinks and then make sure everything is locked up tight. One can never be too sure, rather a second look than a sorry situation in the morning. Ahh, did you remember to lock the french doors in the conservatory? I should hurry and check if I were you. We wouldn't want anything to happen would we? Still a wee bit anxious? What could harm you? You are here not out walking the streets in the dark of night.

Who am I? Why, I'm your subconscious, who else would I be? Obviously there isn't anyone else here, now is there? What do I want? Why...a moment of your time is all. Just long enough for you to understand the story. It is after all a part of you, as you well know. A deep dark family secret regarding someone quite famous...in a way. No one ever actually knew his name, but they knew who he was and what he did. They don't know why he did it, nor what happened to him. They don't know why he stopped either, but you do. All the members of your family knew, and they kept it to themselves as one by one the secret took them to the grave. They didn't take the secret with them, the secret took them to their final resting place, as it will take you...unless...unless you decide to share the secret with others.

Maybe you should share the secret. What harm is there now in doing so? He's dead along with his victims, and maybe bringing this sordid story into the light will ease your troubled mind. Maybe it will keep the fear away. Maybe it will help you.  Maybe if you tell the story, it will allow you to sleep nights instead of...well...you know what I mean. Think about it while I sit quietly and enjoy a snifter of brandy. Let your mind convince you, let me convince you that the story must be told. Step out of the darkness, Jack, and into the light. Tell the story of your grandfather, and who he was and what he did.