The Candle Flickers - Part 1 I lay down in my bed, staring up at the ceiling. It is only black now. The candle at my bedside lets off only a dim light, silhouetting the wooden furniture that stands around the room. I can hear Alyssa's deep breathing, and it fills the room with a feeling of comfort and a warm sensation runs through my body. But suddenly the candlelight fades, and the sound of breathing turns to a sound of terror. I touch Alyssa's shoulder softly, nervous of how she would react. To my astonishment, she opens her eyes. I can see the whites of her eyes clearly in the dark, but I cannot see her expression. She isn't wearing her glasses, so I wonder if she can see me. "What on earth is it, Zoe?" She whispers. She sounds worried, tired, and even irritated. "I'm afraid, Alyssa." I reply. "Don't be ridiculous. It's dark when you close your eyes, anyway." I try and close my eyes, but I simply can't. It's too dark. Alyssa can feel me fidgeting, so she sighs and tells me to light a candle. I tug open the curtain and let the moonlight flood through the room. It gives just enough light for me to make out the box of matches on Alyssa's bedside table. I light the candle and leave it there. "Now, goodnight." I whisper, closing the curtain and going back into bed. I eventually drift asleep. I awake at around midnight, and head out into the corridor, the candle still strong. Alyssa is fast asleep, but tossing and turning, so I tread as carefully as I can. I head into the bathroom, look into the mirror and sort myself out, humming to myself happily, before heading back to the room. I can see the light from here. A flickering candle glowing in the moonlight.