No one is coming to save me. Why am I still going? I should just let go.
These thoughts repeating like a broken record. The trees barricade me from the moonlight; darkness has consumed all else. I have no idea where I’m going or how long I’ve been here. My feet just keep driving. The frigid numbness has nearly masked my entire body, but my heart continues to pump. One step after another, popping underneath me. Rrrkkkhhhh… Rrrkkhhhh… The snow clutches me more every second. The wind cutting through my clothing and hurling its accomplice towards me. My mouth- full of cotton. I consider the snow for hydration but fear to grasp the frost. My consciousness is slowly departing my body. I put my head down and stop.
I’m sick of this. I can’t let you win! It’s time to fight back.
I assemble everything left within me and begin my assault. My body jolts forward and I stride furiously towards the nothingness. The tears freezing on my face as fast as they flow. My nose- scotching, but I can swear I smell burning wood. I plow through every obstacle in my way. The ground beneath me begins to glisten like a warm sunrise over the ocean. Every step pulls me closer to the overwhelming flare as it cracks louder and louder. The trees uncover themselves from the darkness and begin hugging the fluorescent light. I approach the light and it punches itself into my soul- coating me in its warmth. I collapse to my knees. My heart bangs on my ribcage- making its great escape. I look backwards.
Until we meet again.
-Jonas Cardona