Outside Is Outside Your Comfort Zone

(Ever since I could talk, my mom has drilled into my head about stranger danger. She is very protective of me, a girl. After ten years of this constantly, I no longer want to go outside anymore.)

Me: *eating breakfast*

Mom: *watching the news* “Oh, look, another little girl has been kidnapped and killed. Maniacs are afoot everywhere!”

(I have to listen to her rant about evil people while I finish my food. After I get up and wash my dish and head straight for my room.)

Mom: “Where are you going?”

Me: “Reading in my room.”

Mom: “Again? You ought to get out and get some fresh air! A child needs to play outside.”

Me: “You were just ranting about maniacs everywhere.”

Mom: “Oh! Uh, well, I didn’t mean… Ummm… Just go outside, okay?”

(She left, mumbling. I hid in my room, and she forgot about me. My mom still doesn’t get why I don’t go out!)