A Short Collection of Short Stories

Stairs to Somewhere

I walk through the darkness. My breath is heavy and painful, my throat raw from the dust. The fog is dense; I can barely see through it. The walls are so close, I pass my hand over the cool, damp stone as the chill of the tunnel sends a shiver down my spine. I'm nervous, but what does it matter now? I have not suffered all those wounds, gained all those scars, and lost so much just to turn back now. I trek on feeling the stony floor beneath my worn-out boots. Every step is a burden, and I find myself wondering and fearing if it will be worth it. If what I'm searching for is even there. Then I see it. The winding wooden staircase. Elated, I run to it and begin to climb. The stairs creak and moan, as though they won't support my weight, but I know better. These stairs have stood thousands of years and they will stand thousands more. I keep going, and they continue, seemingly endless, through the fog. I trudge forward hoping to see something, a platform, a light, anything that will signify the end of my journey. But nothing appears. Then a light. Not the husky daylight I'm used to, but a bright, vibrant light. I sprint up the stairs, my stamina refilled by excitement. Is this it? Have I finally found it?! I reach the top and . . . nothing. Just a platform, with a floodlight, at the top of stairs to nowhere. I'm stunned. Then I turn to the redish-orange sky and howl in frustration. Then I sit down crying, tears staining my dirt covered face. I'm exhausted, angry, and upset. All of it. All of the pain, suffering, anger, frustration, tears, screaming, fighting, loss all of it for nothing. I lay down feeling as though someone has reached inside me and ripped my soul from my body, leaving me empty. I think. Think through it all, every step of the way. All the adventure, twists, turns, happiness, hate, fights, sadness, everything I've lost and everything I've gained. And as I think the area around me transforms. Ground extends from the platform. A beautiful world with blue sky, true sunlight, vibrant green grass, magnificent trees, lush colorful flowers, crystal rivers, enchanting waterfalls that cascade down the rocky cliffs of gloriously high mountains. All of my friends and family that I have lost are there, waiting for me. I run to them feeling comforted. They embrace me and for the first time I feel truly safe. In the arms of my loved ones, at the top of the Stairs to Somewhere.