They are moving stairs, with teeth

[afuna_archive]

When I was a kid, I was scared of escalators. I was terrified of the sharp "teeth" at the top and bottom, and I was convinced that if I didn't step off fast enough, I'd be sucked in and shredded to bits.

It was so bad, that my dad had to patiently teach me to get on, get off, get on, get off, go with the flow, get on, get off. And eventually I got over my fear of the escalator -- though even now, I take care not to step off too close to the edge.

Today, my shoelace got caught at the bottom, and was stuck for a few critical moments before I could tug myself loose. I didn't get sucked in. I didn't get shredded. I SURVIVED. HOORAY.

Now, let's not talk about the time I was scared that a water-monster would pop up from the bowl and drag me down, if I sat on the toilet too long...

Comments

[av8rmike.livejournal.com]

An old girlfriend of mine was scared of escalators. I hear that that's actually a fairly common fear. A brief Google search says that thousands of people every year are injured on them.

Personally, I'm just afraid of getting stuck on them. The last time that happened to me, I had to stand there for hours.

[pne.livejournal.com]

And I can never find a dog to use on the ones that are marked "Dogs must be carried".

[pauamma]

As long as you can find a gel-padded bra to pack in your checked luggage when you're flying to the US...

[afuna]

People actually get injured on them?

...I think I'm back to fear :x Or at least grudging respect.