Darkness had once been on Darryl's list but he crossed it off years ago. Sitting there in the darkness, trying not to move, listening whatever it was that was breathing next to him, Darryl realized that he never should have crossed the word off the list. Sure, Darryl was no longer afraid of what he had believed was darkness but he had been naive. Darryl now knew what real darkness was and he was afraid. He imagined himself back in his bedroom, writing the word again at the bottom of the list. Darkness. Imagining it gave him a little bit of courage. He slowly unzipped his backpack, trying not to make any noise. He reached inside for his flashlight. If he couldn't overcome his fear, he'd have to destroy it. He could use the light to destroy the darkness. Be bold, he told himself, echoing Vintner's letter to him, though he wasn't really sure what that meant.
Darryl flicked on the light.