2 series of unfortunate events

I've always love being independent. And since I was 5, I'd always wanted to have my own room but my parents didn't think it was a good idea. Finally, they gave in to my demand when my brother was borned as my parents' room became somewhat crowded with his cot. I was delighted of course!

My very first room was a simple one. It's had a dressing table, a wardrobe and a single sized bed. My dad, especially, was always worried about me being alone at night but I loved it! I loved the privacy and independence. However, my happiness was shortlived. One night, when I was sleeping in my room, I had a strange feeling someone was watching me. When I opened my eyes, a trail of smoke came into my room through the windows. And poof! a Qing dynasty official with very pale face slowly floated towards me and I screeeeam......! My dad charged into the room and hugged me. I told him what happened and from that night onwards, he said no more sleeping by myself. Until today, I'm still not sure if it was real or just a nightmare.

Not long after that, my dad was posted to KK(Kota Kinabalu). We rented a corner single storey terrace house. And once again, I pestered my parents to let me have my own room. They finally gave in and I got a room with windows facing the porch. I loved that room eventhough there's only a mattress on the floor. I would use rafiah strings to tie the corners of my blanket or bedsheet to the windows and made it into a tent. With no one to disturb me, I would play make believe in that room. I loved the privacy and independence. But my happiness was shortlived. One night, I got up to go to the toilet. I saw that the kitchen light was turned on and a shadow of a person cast on the opposite wall. It stopped moving when I call out to see if it was my mom but there was no reply. Feeling very sleepy, I went back to bed in my room. The next day, I learned that our home was broken into the night before and some valuables were stolen from my parents room. I then realised that the shadow I saw could be the thief's and told my dad about it. Once again, he was worried for my safety and said no more sleeping by myself.

After that I didn't get my own room until I was 17, living with my 3rd Uncle's family. And I loved the privacy and independence :)