Setting aside, for the moment if you can, the financial worries and everything else, think of this as empowering!! Empowering? Yes, empowering! This is something you didn't think you could do...and you are doing it!! If you aren't used to being alone, of course you're scared. Perfectly normal! Once you have gotten through this, it won't seem as bad if you are ever alone at night again. Still may be scarey, but not as bad. When I was first married and he was out at sea, I'd come home and check every closet, behind the shower curtain, under the bed, and someone asked what I would do if someone were there...I had no idea but the point was it made me feel safe...if I didn't do it, the not knowing would have caused me such anxiety. If you are uncomfortable in the dark, leave a small light on...heck leave a big light on!! It isn't silly. Try very hard, the next time the dog barks, to see what he's barking at. Maybe turn out the lights and look out the window, satisfy yourself that there is nothing there. The more you do that the more comfortable you will become. I'm so sorry you are scared...it's a horrible feeling. But you can come through this even stronger and therefore more empowered!!