A woman sits on her front terrace and stares critically up at the sky, balling her hand into a fist as Chemtrails streak haphazardly across the pristine blue canvas, poisoning her from above and contributing further to her ill health.
A teenager spots a group of boys on the corner ahead of him, and opts to cross the road rather than walk by them, just to be sure. The boys carry on bantering and laughing amongst each other, completely unaware of the teenager’s presence.
A woman dancing in a nightclub is approached by a handsome, intense-looking man. For a moment, she’s curious. Finally, she gives in to her instinct and brushes him off. His eyes briefly let slip his fury, before he steels himself and walks away to try the next girl.
Paranoia can be your best friend — and greatest enemy. It lurks in the shadows of your psyche, whispering to you ominously, warning you, pulling you by the hand away from threats.
Paranoia is the ultimate oracle. It seems to know when catastrophe will strike, and under which circumstances. It stands strongly by your side when you are anxious, other times it is more gentle and subtle in its guidance. “Not there,” it whispers. “It’s not safe. No, not them. They’ll take advantage of you.”
When a stranger approaches, paranoia lights up your senses, and floods you with adrenaline. If you are a woman walking through a dark park alone, it is indeed your friend.
A smiling stranger may be more a threat than a wolf baring its teeth. It knows this. A scowling wolf may simply be in pain. It knows this also.
In good times, it remains as a playful breeze roaming your soul. When crisis strikes, however, it becomes a storm electrified. During dark times, when threats approach, its lightning strikes illuminate the environment to help you see.
Yet its power is monumental. As with all gifts from the gods, you must take heed. When crisis and turbulence are prolonged, its electric force chars your soul and leaves you permanently startled. Insight turns to nightmare, illumination into blinding delusion.
An ally becomes your tormentor.
Where threat is code red, reality grows crimson-tinged. Soon, your tormentor convinces you that he is your friend. Together, you will outsmart the wolves. Fend off the vicious. Deprive the greedy. Never again, your tormentor-friend tells you. You nod in agreement.
Behind your tormentor’s mask, the devil smirks. Your deal with him is complete, and in the contract, you have surrendered life itself.
