I think there's an NPC in this game that is already afraid and needs you to be brave, and is begging you to don't be afraid too. Of course, as an indie game, the too is stylized as the number '2', which is just typical of these hipster indie developers.

Anyway, that shouldn't keep you from going around and solving puzzles in order to resolve your childhood traumas... if only it would be as easy in real life.