Drain This Disease

        I don’t know how long it’s been. Years? Seconds? A century? A minute? I don’t know how long I’ve been wandering through this darkness before me; but at this rate I’m not sure I’ll ever escape. I can’t even see my own hand if I put it up in front of my face. I’m just sort of…wandering. I have no idea where I’m going, where I am, how long I’ve been here, or what waits for me wherever I may end up. I don’t know what’s going on; but to me, the most frightening thing of all is that I don’t know who I am.

            I put my hands out and try to feel around me, but I feel nothing. I sigh, once again defeated, and let my arms fall to slack at my sides. Am I alone? Is there anyone here with me? If there is anyone or anything here with me, I fear what it may be. I haven’t seen or heard or felt anyone though; so I must be alone. What if I’m here alone forever? What if I’m doomed to walk this land alone the rest of my miserable life? Am I even alive? Or is this some sort of hellish punishment for something I did in a former life?

            I decide to make a brave move and see if there is indeed anyone here with me. If there is, maybe they can help me. It’s worth the risk if it means I might escape this terrifying and dark world.

            “H-Hello?” I call, “Is anyone there?!”

*

            Oh no. It’s him. He’s getting closer. I’m so afraid. I don’t think I’m ready for this, and I’m not sure I ever will be. How am I supposed to do this? My friends and I have gone through the motions a number of times; but I don’t know if I’m prepared for the real thing…

            I turn to one of my friends: an old woman. Her bright red eyes are slightly concealed by the black veil she wears over her head. Her skin is gray and wrinkled and worn. She smiles at me with her black teeth, and puts a gray and dry hand on my shoulder.

            “It’s time.” She states.

            I turn to my other friend. He stands only in a pair of black pants. His gray and black skin seems to blend in with the rest of the room. His black eyes stare into mine, and the horns on his head seem more intimidating today than usual. He furrows his brows at me and locks his jaw.

            “There is no time for cowardice.” He says, sternly, “You will show no fear, and you will show no weakness. It is indeed time. Remember what you’ve learned. Now,” He says, grabbing the candle-holder, “Let us help our friend find us, shall we?”

*

            I believe I’ve figured out one thing about me. I’m a male. At least, judging by the sound of my voice, I am. Though I suppose this doesn’t help me much…

I’m still wandering. I’m growing more and more afraid. I don’t know what I’m more afraid of: being alone in this place forever, or someone finding me. I don’t know what could be here waiting for me. I don’t know if they’re safe; or if any of this is. I suppose if I were to find someone, they could help me; but what if it’s every man for himself here? If there is anyone here, what if they aren’t willing to help me? Maybe there’s a way out. Maybe I can get out on my own.

            I suddenly hear a loud noise, like the sound of a door slamming. I nearly jump out of my skin. Is there someone else here with me?!

            “Hello?” I call, “H-Hello? Is anyone there? Who are you? Where am I? C-Can you help me?”

            I stand there in silence and darkness for what feels like an eternity before I hear another noise. This one isn’t nearly as loud as the first one though. It’s soft, but not necessarily quiet. It’s almost like the sound of someone setting something down. I look all around me and try my hardest to see, but I see only black…