The Scariest Concealment: A Childhood Recollection from the 1960s

From time to time, our childhood memories can be both joyful and terrifying. One such experience that stands out in my mind was a scenario that involved hiding in the darkest corners of our home during my early 1960s childhood.

Living Without a Driver’s License

Growing up in the 1960s, my parents regularly left my eldest sister in charge on Saturdays when they went grocery shopping. My mother, like many women of that era, did not yet have her driver's license. This frequent absence often left me with my siblings, especially when my sister took on the role of organizing our afternoons.

A Witch and Flying Monkeys

My sister's imagination led her to play 'games' with us, one of which was a role-playing scenario inspired by the beloved film The Wizard of Oz. In this game, she would pretend to be a witch and have my two older brothers as her 'flying monkeys.' Given our exposure to the film, we knew the gameplay involved a touch of the fantastical, albeit with a sinister twist.

The Terrifying Cellar

However, the game's dark element consisted of locking my younger brother, who was only two years old at the time, and myself into the dark and spider-infested cellar hatchway. The atmosphere was filled with cobwebs and shadows, and the complete darkness made the experience truly terrifying. We would sit huddled together, with my arms around my younger brother, offering comfort and attempting to stay brave until our parents finally came to let us out.

Lessons in Bravery

In the process of remaining brave for my younger brother, I also learned the value of bravery in myself. Despite the fear, I discovered that by facing my fear, I could not only protect my younger sibling but also build a foundation of courage that would serve me well in the years to come.

From Sadist to Saviour

Reflecting on this experience, it's hard not to question whether my sister, through her actions, was a closet sadist. Despite the fear and terror that came with the game, it also served as a formative experience, teaching me that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to face it head-on.

Today, I look back at this memory with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. While the experience was undoubtedly scary, it instilled in me a sense of inner strength that has proven invaluable throughout my life.

In conclusion, the memories of hiding in the cellar with my younger brother during my early years serve as a poignant reminder of the unexpected lessons that can be learned from seemingly terrifying experiences.