I feel safe. This World is evil and dark and yet I feel safe.
What are the odds of that?
I am on an airplane. We are flying through the night. It is dark outside, and the lights inside are dimmed. The plane is shaking, like a carriage driving over bricks. Turbulences. My seat is next to the window. The light reflection of the plane’s wing guides my view. I see the fog wavering next to me. Clouds that are cut by the wing. Light that is swallowed by the mist. The person next to me holds onto the armrest with full force. Eyes closed. To be afraid of flying is a common thing. But I am not afraid. I feel safe.
I am walking through the forest. I am alone. Sounds of animals surround me. The smell of rain lies in the air. It is getting dark, and I must walk for some more time. But it is okay. I like the dawn. I should be aware of my surroundings. I know it can be dangerous. One misstep and I get hurt. A person could sneak up on me. I know it can happen. It is a sad reality that it happens. Dangerous people exist. And one should be careful with one’s own safety. But I am not afraid. I am aware of my surroundings, and I am not afraid. I feel safe.
I am swimming in the ocean. It is night. The stars above me shine through the darkness. Thousands of sparkling lights greet me. I face the night sky while my body drifts on the warm water. It is such a beautiful moment. But I was told to be careful. There are creatures in the water. Don’t swim too far away or you will get exhausted and lose the power to swim back. But I just flow on the ocean. I love the feeling of the water, the smell of salt, and the bright stars above me. I am not afraid. I feel safe.
I feel safe in a world that can be evil and dark. You may ask, why? You may also think I should be afraid. You may believe, I am too careless. We all see the world with different eyes. Feel danger with different senses. Why is that? Why do I always feel safe? Why am I not afraid? Is safety an illusion? It is a privilege. It is freedom and I am lucky to have it. I know that. I am glad, so glad. I am not afraid. I feel safe.
Story and cover photo by India Wittmershaus.