Since The Fall Of Maglindo
Chapter 04: Sleep Paralysis

I never thought watching television would be such a boring activity. I don't know why my mind always thinks that cell phones are still much better. After all, what I used to watch on TV was only certain films or shows that attracted attention, and lately there is nothing like it. While indeed based on facts, “they” often displays something unimportant, especially bland chatter that starts from the beginning to the end, and also the theme is the same, the application of repeated patterns.

Feeling annoyed by the truth, I chose to leave the television on without turning my eyes to it. Looking at the clock on the wall, the direction of the arrow has shown more than 7, in other words it is still not the time to sleep, I finally took the phone that was beside me.

When turning it on, there is no such thing as glare eyes due to the light of the gadget. Unlike the people who have problems with their eyes, I do not need to increase the brightness of the screen in order to see clearly. After all, actually my phone is equipped with features that can keep the eyes to function normally even though the user is the type of person who is addicted to staring at the screen.

This time I pressed the search button on the internet, my intention was to find out the truth about the events of the previous night, rationally without attributing it to supernatural occurrences. Indeed, the intention is there, but I do not know where to go, that is, to search for something certain then it also takes a certain word or sentence as the key to the search.

Based on what I've experienced before, it should have gone into a sleep disorder, for example because I often cut off the time that the body should be using to rest so that it happens like yesterday night or something like that. So first of all, I typed “Examples of sleep disorders” without any hesitation. And the websites that appear, of course, there are many, because the search is a common thing. However, “Which is definitely-just”, I mean, usually the ones at the top are the most popular. Of course because of that fact, people who are new to using the same search will set their options on those that look more trustworthy.

“Maybe start from here only,” I said.

The image on the screen instantly changed instantly after I tapped it. At the beginning was greeted by a photo of a woman who seemed to be having trouble with her sleep. Slightly shifting, everything instantly turned into full of writing, and advertising.

Realizing that now was the time to get serious, I straightened my seat.

The first sleep disorder was insomnia, I already knew it and it was not related to the condition I was experiencing, so I passed. As for the second order, everything started to become something foreign, I had never heard of it at all. Because of that fact, in other words I was required to read it. But fortunately, there is no such thing as taking up a lot of time, because just by reading the understanding, as a whole is enough to be understood.

And finally, in the last order—said so—appears what I was looking for. Written “Sleep Paralysis” with bold letters like a title.

Starting from there, I who from the beginning was already focused, became more focused considering something important was in sight. From the first sentence to the last, I only blinked a few times so as not to miss a single word.

When I finished, I felt really relieved, because according to what was written there, what I experienced was still medically explainable. There are several things that cause me to experience Sleep Paralysis, such as lack of sleep, irregular sleep patterns, sleeping positions, and stress. Lately I have a lot of thoughts, but not to stress either.

Even so, it is said that there are also people who associate it with supernatural events. Because in some cases, sometimes there are those who see a black shadow, even to the appearance of a terrible ghost. But in my case, it didn't happen that way, hopefully it was just a joke.

As a celebration of this, I went to the fridge to get a drink. But when I arrived, I just remembered that there were only snacks there, no one bought a drink for the last few weeks— except air—so in the end I went back to the sofa that was in the living room.

While lying on top of her, my eyes were fixed on the television screen that had now changed, but in the end turned it off.

“What will I do now?”

Always I say “How wonderful” is if around me is quiet, when what I should say is “How sad”. However, now I am a different existence, someone who intends to evolve by treading on his past memories. The good thing about this is that I have a clear purpose in life. There is no longer a name that considers that other people are just something that does not mean, there is no longer a name that considers that youth is something that can be wasted, just like that, and no more all the other sad things from my old self.

Calling it a revolution seems very suitable, so from now onwards just assume that I am a revolutionary.

Despite being revolutionary, I still found nothing to do. When choosing to sit on the sofa, what I saw on the wall clock was already showing at 8.

Since before I read the ins and outs about sleep disorders, especially Sleep Paralysis, all I can do to prevent it is equalize sleep time. Therefore, I set 8 o'clock as the end of my daily activities from now on.

Arriving in the room, I immediately stretched my body on the mattress after turning off the lights. It didn't take long, the darkness had made my hair stand up, so I turned on the lights and headed back to the bed again, lying down like before.

Regardless of how one could avoid sudden paralysis while sleeping, I could think of nothing but one thing, calm down. That way, various answers will appear by themselves.

Think rationally that Sleep Paralysis is not something to be afraid of, as almost everyone has experienced it as well. Strengthened by the cause why it can happen, medically, so there is strong evidence that states that Sleep Paralysis can still be said to be something normal.

Try to remember again, it seems like the sleeping position also has an influence. While based on my old position while experiencing Sleep Paralysis, it was in a tilted state. However, the most important part of my sleeping position is how I enjoy it. And for now, I think sleeping on my back can be an option.

Slowly, I closed my eyes.

Despite the hesitation, my courage was still unshakable. Because after all, the creepy part will only start when Sleep Paralysis strikes. So during normal sleep as usual, the possibility to experience it is very small. Sleep Paralysis does not happen every day, depending on the fact.

Suppose, in a moment I get Sleep Paralysis, then actually there is nothing to fear, nor will I die either. It's just that even though I convinced myself to think so, somehow there was still fear.

Is this some kind of trauma?

Maybe calling it that has a point too. If not, then how could I possibly be this scared.

After considering many things while trying as much as possible so that the fear does not eat away at the body, it seems like I will soon fall asleep. While the new important part will begin when the eyes are on the verge of consciousness, in other words just before the eyes are completely closed so that someone will sleep in the groove of dreams.

My previous experience of Sleep Paralysis was marked by a vibration, as if being electrocuted, especially when trying to move the body. It's just that now I'm not focusing on it, just forget it and let the mind be as calm as possible.