The Stillness Before Dawn

January 7, 2026

by Ruben

I had read about the phenomenon in a magazine, so when it happened to me, I recognized it at once. It was not the terror I had imagined, but a strange and silent struggle.

My nightly routine involved listening to quiet music to help me drift off. I often woke up a few times, usually to shift position or glance at the clock. But this time was different. I opened my eyes into the dark room and found myself completely frozen. I was a statue in my own bed.

A powerful, buzzing force seemed to hum inside my chest, willing my limbs to move, but they would not obey. Then, a distinct pressure encircled my wrist, a cold and solid grip I could not pull away from.

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