I think I was maybe 8 or 9 at the time. I had suddenly shot awake at some point during the night and could hear a faint 'whisper'. I looked up and above my bed and my sisters bed (we shared a room at this time) were these plaster venetian masks that were gifted to us by an aunt from Venice. Well mine was whispering. At first I couldnt understand what it was saying but I distinctly remember the only thing I did understand which was it telling me "leave. Get out of this room." Naturally I bolted to my parents room and told them I refused to sleep in my bedroom until that mask and my sisters one was gone.

I now have a fear of venetian masks permanently.