Whispers and Laughs of the Void

I was out of breath after being chased for so long.

But I cannot stop. When I glanced sideways, I could see people till the edge of the horizon running for their lives. As screams and pleas for help echoed in the air, I made my way in the swarm of people to head away from the room.

The kind of room which has never known about the night, with all kinds of pleasures and joy waiting to be experienced. It’s the master key to security in life — every wish is granted, every want fulfilled.

But I’ve never wanted to be a part of the room, like these other thousand companions I have been running with.

A big hand slammed on a fairly young boy beside me.

The hand dragged him with fierce strength causing his limbs to crumble under the weight.

His teary eyes looked in my direction.

“No! Don’t, please don’t”, the boy pleaded, “You right there, yes, you! Help me! I don’t want to be a part of those-”

The hand yanked away his limp body towards the room.

What the heck’s going on-

Another hand slammed beside me taking another bunch of people towards the room.

Another group gone.

Sacre bleu !

Soon, the sky was full of big hunting hands taking away innocent teens to, as they say, “safety”.

No, no, no. This shouldn’t be real. Fatigue has engulfed me. Please. Stop.

But no, I sped up while my body pumped adrenaline shots in my blood. I don’t want to waste my life in the room. My dream is to help the people of the world, to be the hero I have always dreamt of being.

I’m tired of explaining to everyone — I had never wanted what they wanted.

A laughing sound popped my bubble of thought. Who’s bold enough to laugh in this situation? A silhouette appeared in front of me whom I quickly recognized to be my brother.

‘“Why are you laughing? Run! The hand is approachin-”

“Which hand? Where? And why are you running?” he grinned foolishly.

Before I could defend, I realized he was right, there were no hands to be seen anywhere.

Strange.

Weren’t they here? And why are we in a dark room? Why was I running? I swear the hands were here!

He held his hand out, “Let’s go to the room.”

“No. I won’t! And the hands! They were here, hunting, ME!”

“This is your last chance to live a fruitful life. If you reject my offer now, you might never be able to enter the room. Think about it! We’ll live in safety and joy! Come on!” He grasped my hand and progressed towards the room.

But can I betray myself for safety? My dreams, my passions, my fight — all gone in vain?

Think about it, a good life, a secured life. Who doesn’t want one? I should’ve given up my stubborn thought before. The room’s bright light is calling me. I love my family. In the room we would be together. Maybe he is right.

No.

I won’t let myself down this time.

With all the force left in my body, I pulled away my hand.

He smirked and said, “Good luck for your endeavors then! I’ll miss you”, he gave me a last smile waving, and…

he disappeared.

Slam!

The door slammed shut. Gone.

I turned around to find myself alone in a barren land.

It was never about the room.

~ C.G.