Threats from within our own houses or natural disasters can put us in danger at any time. This article’s stories tell of actual people who bravely faced situations that may have harmed them. Even though these experiences were extremely terrifying, they imparted important lessons about the value of cherishing life.

Story 1:
I had a two in the morning grocery shop run. The second man, who was standing next to the cashier, was maintaining eye contact. I quickly paid and walked out.
I heard footsteps on my walk home, and when I turned around, I saw it was that man. “Why so fast, miss?” he exclaimed. Even with my haste, he remained behind me. Abruptly, I heard someone scream. As I turned around, I was startled to see that the cashier was holding the man’s hand and making him stop. Fearing for his life, the man fled.
After making sure I was okay, the cashier revealed to me the terrifying news that this same guy had followed and robbed another women in the middle of the night. He knew he had to intervene as soon as he saw him in the store. After learning that valuable lesson, I never again ventured out alone at night, not even for a fast trip to the convenience store.

Story 2:
I spotted an alligator close when I was unwinding in a lake. About fifteen meters away, it lifted its head over the water without pursuing me. My heart began to race. Never in my life have I had a greater fear, but I was able to leave the water swiftly and covertly. © Reddit / Purrrple Pepper

Story 3:
Every night when Mom was a little girl, she could see what appeared to be a head silhouette peering through her bedroom window. The more days went by, the more terrified she became.
She plucked up the confidence to find out what it was one evening. She sprung up and ran across the room to turn on the light as fast as she could. The shadow abruptly moved and fled as soon as she saw the light, and it was never seen again.

Story 4:
As I was shooting a long exposure photo of Olympic National Park’s night sky, I heard movement to my right. When I turned my light toward the commotion once the photo was finished (priorities), I noticed two lit eyes staring back at me. I never stayed long enough to see what they were connected to. © Reddit/thehangryhippo