He hides because he knows he can't run. His heart races like dandelion seeds swept by the wind. He feels his stomach turning inside out, not with the help of butterflies but with the help of snakes. Lower and lower he slides in his chair. 

"You're next!"  she says looking him in the eyes. panic charges through him.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

"um...hi. My presentation is about um..." 

You lie on your bed. The ceiling fan blows a silent breeze your way and the cool air makes the hairs on your unshaved legs prickle with fright. A shiver passes through you and you begin to reach for the blanket. Tilting your head, you notice a shadow forming on the wall beside you. Shoulders slumped and head down, it looks exhausted. Its tangled hair all out of place. You can almost hear its teardrops fall. It's not your shadow,...