It doesn't creep around slowly.
Everything is fine one moment,
the next it isn't.
It hits like a bus
when your back is turned.
Sometimes
you know  just before
that something's wrong

and then,
suddenly
it hits
a punch to the gut
crippling
tearing open the hole
you thought was closed
ripping it's edges larger
and larger
with each passing second

screaming isn't an option.
it never has been.
you just deal with it
breathing a little to fast,
trying to rip your thoughts away
but being dragged back in
****** in
until its all you can think about .

Most of the time people don't notice
you almost wish they would.
but when they do notice
it's even worse.

Sometimes it doesn't bother you
Often, though, it does.
When it does

Its a fear
worse than death.