The Uncanny Files

Do Not Look Away

Where are you right now?
Perhaps you're laying in your bed with your phone in your hand, reading this story.
Did I get it right?
Or maybe, just maybe, you're not in your room. Maybe you're in your living room, sitting on your couch while watching television and simultaneously reading this.
Or maybe you're not in your house at all. Maybe you're out on a pleasant stroll.

Wherever you are, I assume you feel quite content. Safe, I'd even say.

Now that I've got your attention, do not take your eyes off of your screen. Continue to read this. Whatever you do, do not let your eyes wander. Remain focused. Do not, under any circumstances, look away.

Let's say in a hypothetical sense that you're in your room, I'm assuming you're alone.
One of the safest places you can be in is your own home. But strange things can happen.
Let's say while you're reading this, you see something out from the corner of your eye. Perhaps it's a shadow. Perhaps it's a flash of light. Perhaps it's a pair of eyes.
Or maybe you hear something— A faint whisper. A growl. A giggle. Laughter.
But you will not look away from your screen.
You must not look away.
Do not pay these visions any attention.

Now, let's say you're in your living room.
Again, in the safety and comfort of your own home.
Let's say while you're reading this, your thoughts begin to wander...
Did you lock your front door?
Did you check your security cameras recently?
When was the last time you checked in your attic or basement?
It may sound juvenile, but when was the last time you checked under your bed?
But you will not get up and check.
You will not look away from your screen.
You must not look away.
Do not pay these thoughts any attention.

Now, finally, let's say you're going for a stroll around town.
Are you alone?
You may be... Or you may not be.
There could always be someone lurking in the shadows.
There could be someone— Or something— Around that corner you're about to turn, waiting, just waiting for you.
Maybe there's something behind you. Perhaps not directly behind you, but slowly and quietly following...
But you will not look away from your screen.
You must not look away.
Do not pay these possibilities any attention.

Continue to read.
Whatever you do, don't look away.

Even in the safest situations, there is still danger lurking.
The possibility of danger is always there.
You must realize your humanity.
You never know when the Grim Reaper will knock on your door.
But when he does, let him in. After all, he is our friend.

Now, you must disregard of this. Never read it again, and do not think about it.
You may look away now. You are safe.