Near did not like the light, but he abhorred complete darkness.
His breathing erratic and palms sweaty, his mind was blank, unable to process a solution to his current predicament. The darkness felt as though it was consuming him, sucking all strength from his limbs and air from his lungs. He was dying. Suddenly, the large-screen TV flickered on illuminating the room.
Death stopped.
Near blinked lazily as dim light filled the room and his mouth parted in a small 'o'. Rolling over from his back to his stomach, he resumed playing with his toys as though nothing had happened.
