The Question

A Quest-ion in the Dark

     "Who matters the most?" They ask me.

     Such a question is unfair. There are many in my life alone that I care for- a variety of souls that have taught me more than I could have learned on my own. The question truly is unfair...

     Perhaps one better would be; "What person has taught me the most?"

     Even then, the answer may bleed onto a handful. The question is unfair. They understand. Yet, they are too curious to deny such a thought. After another moment the inquiry appears again.

     "Who matters the most, to you?" Their voice is impatient.

     I laugh and smile at the change in their demeanor. However, I bow my head in reply. While looking at the floor, I can only find one reply.

     "I don't know." The answer is disappointmenting to say the least.

     Of course, I should have an answer. Right? But how can I when I've met several souls who have touched my own? How can I choose between the companions that I have crossed in this time and in another? The question is unfair. That statement keeps passing through my mind like a branch scratching a window.

     "It's irritating," we both say.

     My eyes perk up. I cannot hide my smile.

     "Isn't it?" I ask- perhaps more playfully than I'd want to.

     "Yes," they respond. They exhale a long sigh. "I thought that you'd have a...proper answer. I only wanted to know."

     "Why?" I inquire with my arms crossed. "What's so important about who matters to me when you are not me? Shouldn't the question remain with myself?"

     They sigh in defeat. Clearly, I've hit a mark. The conversation seems to go circular and leaves me more curious. Why would they care about who I regard highly? Perhaps, they just wanted to know. Some people are bored and seek anyone else for entertainment. At least, boredom sounds like a reasonable explanation to their curiosity.

     "If you don't have an answer," they pause. "Does that mean no one's important? Besides, a name should have crossed your mind. Am I right?"

     I slump to the dark floor. As I stare, they bend closer. With a tilt of their head, I can feel their eyes on me- more poised than before. I'm sorry.

     "I thought of a handful of people that matter to me." I smile. "The ones who've inspired me to live- the ones who taught me how to enjoy life- and the one who taught my heart how to love."

     "Is that so?" They seem to return the grin.

     Their fave appears closer in view. In spite of the surrounding darkness, I cannot make out their features well. However, I can feel their emotions. They are intrigued as well as curious. I wonder if they've met another human before. Before my mind can travel down a rabbit hole of thoughts, their voice demands my attention.

     "You pass." They place a cold hand onto my shoulder. "Many would leave only a single response. However, your heart seems conflicted with many. Though that's not a bad thing. It just means you care enough about the others of whom you've connected with. I'm curious. Why are you here?"

     A smile crosses my lips. Why would I come to a place like this? Normally, the dark will place souls at odds end. Typically, people would be too afraid of what's in the dark to come to these types of spaces. Regardless of human fears, I've already overcame a number of my own. With a brief sigh, I find my words.

     "To learn." My answer is honest.

     With that response, the darkness subsides. Everything turns white and I stand in a space of seeming nothingness. To come across a void such as this is remarkable! Who knew how disturbing being surrounded by solid white would be? I shake my head and look around for the other.

     While they are nowhere to be seen, I can hear their voice calling out to me:

     You pass.