Old Hag Syndrome

Witness: Ashley
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Date of Encounter: November 3, 2008

For about a couple of days since I started the eighth grade, I had signs of depression. I remember that night. I was really tired and I had to go to bed. After I got in the bed it was hard to fall asleep. I didn't know why, but I was scared. Everyone that knows me knows that I'm never scared. But that night I was so scared that I was about to cry. Finally, I feel asleep. For some reason I woke up and had a really dry throat. I tried to move to get up and maybe get something to drink, but I couldn't move. I was helpless, paralyzed. I was so scared. Then I heard something. It sounded like boots with heels on a wooden floor. I knew that was strange because in my room there is carpet. Unable to move my head, I tied to move my eyes to see what was going on. Then I saw an old lady with long white hair. She just stared at me. I felt like I couldn't breathe, and then she smiled at me.

What was weird was I thought I was screaming, but it's also like nothing was going on in my mind. She walked closer to me and sat on my chest. Now I really couldn't breathe. She looked down at me and disappeared. At that time I sat up and looked around. I didn't see her, but I knew she was still there. I got up and ran to my daddy. I cried and stayed in their room. After about a couple of days my mom and dad would not let me sleep with them, so after my mom and dad went to bed I would get up and go to my little brother's room. Without him knowing, I would get in his bed and sleep close to him.

After that encounter, I won't go into my room by myself. I know that I am 14 and my brother is only 10, and I know I shouldn't feel safe with him, but my brother has a very warm feeling to him. I don't know if I'll ever sleep in my room again even though being with my little brother made me feel better, I still didn't stop seeing the old woman. But this time I wasn't as scared. I knew that when I saw her when I was with my brother it was just a dream. I can't tell you how I know that. It's just true. I don't think I will be going to any friends' house. I don't want to leave my brother alone in his room where he might see the old lady. I know I can't do anything about her myself, but I promise if she frightens my brother, something will happen.