Başak Ünal
A high thick masonry structure forming a long rampart or an enclosure chiefly for defense. — That’s the definition of the word “wall” according to Merriam Webster. When I first saw the definition five minutes ago, there was only one thing that made me pause for a second: “for defense.”
People are like castles. In their early years, they haven’t yet faced any real dangers and thus don’t know how to defend themselves. They usually don’t have to, either. These times are spent in peace and order. If they get used to comfort and behave carelessly, they will be left vulnerable. They’ll get hurt…. Everything is permissible in war and human relations. The more vulnerable you are, the more you attract the enemy. The more you bleed, the more you pull the vampire.
At this point, the similarity between a person and a castle can amaze you because they also defend against outsiders in the same way: by building a wall. Of course, the wall’s strength may vary depending on its material, how badly you are hurt, its foundation, etc. Our human or castle is now ready for the next battle.
What are the advantages of building a wall? First, it provides a highly reliable protection during a war (or in a relationship, but that might be unnecessary to mention, as they are basically the same thing). Second, it is a deterrent against the enemy and prevents them from attacking. As the blood attracts the vampire, a stake can also keep it at bay. The wall makes you feel safe even when you are not under attack.
The castle was innocent. Someone attacked. It was damaged. Walls were built. The enemy attacked again. The castle defended itself. The attack failed. Now what? The walls will have no use anymore but also can’t be undone. Not only because it is almost impossible physically, but also because they will be needed when the next enemy comes. If you enclose the castle without a gap, no evil can go through the walls and hurt you. Of course evil isn’t the only thing that can’t go through those walls. The problem starts here. While you are safe between the four walls (or round walls) of the castle, you lock yourself there. Congratulations, you are now a very safe prisoner.
The only understandable means of escape is putting a door in your walls. It may seem simple, but I assure you, it is not. Where do you put the keys? If you can reach them, evil can too. When do you open that door? Is it safe? Do you think it is rational to open it? What is rational? How can you say if someone will betray you? What if they are the love of your life and you’ll miss the opportunity because of your trust issues? Well, what is trust? How can you trust someone? Do you feel safe? Are you feeling paranoid? Maybe you have the right to be paranoid. Is this a mental illness? How about checking a therapist, now that could help. Do you really want to give your keys to a stranger? Let’s stay inside for now. Let’s get rid of the keys. Let’s remove the door. Let’s pour more concrete. That’s better.