Aw, Liz. That's sad. Tell that little 9-year-old kid within you that it's something you/she has been feeling every night.

Reminds me of what the tour guide used to say in the depths of the Luray Caverns (yes, Luray, where Bobert lives): Now I'm going to turn off the lights so you can see what real darkness is. And if it scares you, just close your eyes.