It was 3.am. in the morning, and I started writing until I heard a strange noise, like someone was calling me, I ignored it and kept writing, it kept getting colder but it didn't stop me from writing, as I write what I saw at that bleak, I kept getting chills, It wasn't this cold earlier that night and just when I stopped writing, everything went quite, it was unusual and I could feel there's something wrong, I put out the candle, I turned the light on, I looked at the mirror, and I didn't see my reflection . The absence of my reflection in the mirror sent a shiver down my spine, piercing through the already icy air. Dread clenched my heart as I realized that something sinister had invaded my world. The room around me seemed to pulsate with an otherworldly energy, the walls whispering secrets I couldn't decipher. Fear consumed me, but curiosity fuelled my determination to uncover the truth. I cautiously stepped closer to the mirror, my hand trembling as I reached out to touch its cold surface. But before I could make contact, the mirror rippled like a disturbed pond, distorting the room's reflection into a grotesque distortion of reality. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mirror's depths. Its eyes were hollow voids, devoid of light and warmth. It wore a tattered cloak, the fabric hanging in shreds, as if it had traversed through ages of despair. The being's skeletal hand reached out toward me, a chilling whisper echoing through the room, “Join us...” I stumbled backward, terror coursing through my veins. This realm of darkness had ensnared me, entangling me in its web of despair. Shadows danced, mocking my feeble attempts to escape their clutches. As I turned to flee, the room transformed into a maze of twisting corridors, each path leading to an abyss of uncertainty. With every step I took, the temperature plummeted further, freezing my breath and numbing my senses. The once-familiar walls now seemed to taunt me, whispering haunting echoes of lost souls who had succumbed to this desolate domain. Each corridor bore witness to the despair of those who had entered and never returned. Lost and disoriented, I called out for help, but my voice was swallowed by the vast emptiness surrounding me. Silence became my only companion, amplifying the torment of my solitude. The weight of regret pressed upon my shoulders, the burden of leaving behind everything I once held dear, now bearing down on me like a crushing weight. As I stumbled through the maze, my mind played cruel tricks on me. Familiar voices echoed through the darkness, calling out my name with a mix of anguish and longing. Faces from my past flickered in the shadows, their expressions etched with pain and despair. The realm seemed intent on tormenting me, tearing away the fragments of my sanity. Days blurred into nights, and nights into endless cycles of torment. This maze held me captive, refusing to release its grip. In the depths of my desolation, I began to question whether escape was even possible. Perhaps this was my eternal punishment for daring to venture into this realm. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into an interminable stretch of time as I wandered aimlessly through the labyrinth of despair. The darkness grew more suffocating with each passing moment, threatening to consume what little hope remained within me. In the midst of my despair, a faint glimmer of light caught my attention. It beckoned from a distant corridor, piercing through the gloom like a beacon of salvation. Ignoring the fatigue that weighed heavily on my bones, I stumbled towards the light, desperate for a respite from the torment. As I approached, the glow intensified, revealing a hidden chamber adorned with ancient symbols etched into the walls. The air crackled with an ethereal energy, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the oppressive darkness. Trembling, I traced my fingers along the intricate patterns, hoping for guidance or a clue to escape this wretched place. Suddenly, the symbols illuminated, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the chamber. A whispering voice echoed through the air, its tone both haunting and melancholic. "To break free from the realm of shattered reflections, you must confront your deepest regrets and seek forgiveness. " Images flickered across the chamber, displaying fragments of memories I had long tried to bury. The pain of lost friendships, shattered dreams, and irreparable mistakes flooded my mind, overwhelming me with guilt and remorse. It became clear that I needed to confront these ghosts of the past to find the key to my liberation. With trembling resolve, I embraced the memories, delving into the darkest corners of my soul. I sought out those I had hurt, those I had abandoned, and those I had wronged. One by one, I faced the consequences of my actions, acknowledging the pain I had caused and seeking forgiveness. Each encounter was a harrowing experience, as the spectres of the past mirrored my own anguish. Yet, within the depths of their sorrowful eyes, I glimpsed a glimmer of understanding, a flicker of compassion. As I humbled myself before them, baring my soul and expressing genuine remorse, forgiveness began to bloom like fragile flowers in the wasteland of regrets. With each act of contrition, the realm's grip on me weakened, and this enigma losing its power over my fate. The walls of the chamber crumbled, revealing a path leading towards the faint light that had guided me thus far. It was a path of redemption and self-forgiveness, a chance to transcend the darkness that had consumed me. Stepping onto the path, the weight of my past transgressions began to lift, replaced by a newfound strength and determination. I marched forward, filled by the hope that awaited beyond the confines of the realm. The whispers of despair were drowned out by whispers of salvation, guiding me towards a future unburdened by the shackles of regret. The path before me stretched on, winding through treacherous terrain and shadowed valleys. Each step brought me closer to the light, but it was not an easy journey. The remnants of my past mistakes clung to me like thorny vines, tearing at my resolve and tempting me to retreat. Yet, the whispers of absolution remained steadfast, urging me forward. They whispered tales of second chances and the possibility of healing wounds that seemed irreparable. With every stride, my determination grew, and I vowed to seize the opportunity to right the wrongs of my past. As I pressed on, the environment around me transformed. The darkness gradually faded, giving way to a dim twilight. The air felt lighter, infused with a faint scent of renewal. I watched glimpses of vibrant colours that had long been absent from my existence. It was as if the world itself was responding to my quest for liberation. The path eventually led me to a forgotten garden, once lush with life but now overrun by weeds and neglect. In the center stood a solitary figure, cloaked in sorrow. I could recognize the scarlet colour, but I saw a young woman, remarkably beautiful, but still had that sad laugh. It was her and now I recognized her...Evalynn. The friend that I left her out alone and scared. Her eyes held a mix of pain and hope as she turned to face me. "Is it truly you?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a cocktail of emotions. I nodded, my own voice choked with remorse. "Evalynn, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you." Tears welled up in her eyes as she regarded me, her gaze searching for the sincerity in my words. Slowly, she extended a hand, and I tentatively reached out to grasp it. The touch was both a lifeline and a balm for my wounded soul. "I've carried the weight of our broken friendship for too long," she confessed, her voice filled with a mix of pain and forgiveness. "I've missed you, and I've missed the person you used to be." In that moment, the burdens of the past lifted, and a profound sense of relief washed over me. We stood together in that forgotten garden, embracing the opportunity to mend what had been shattered. The garden around us responded to our newfound connection, blossoming with vibrant flowers and whispering promises of renewal. Together, Evalynn and I embarked on a journey of reconciliation. We sought out others I had wronged, offering sincere apologies and the opportunity for healing. Some accepted, while others chose to keep their distance, scarred too deeply by my past actions. Each encounter, however, served as a reminder of the consequences of my choices and the power of forgiveness. As we travelled, we discovered that our journey was not just about redemption for me alone. It became a mission to bring light into the lives of those who had been affected by my mistakes. We dedicated ourselves to acts of kindness, extending compassion to those in need and striving to make amends wherever possible. The whispers of redemption continued to guide us, their ethereal voices growing stronger as we traversed the winding path. With every step, the darkness of our past retreated, replaced by the radiant glow of forgiveness and healing. We reached into an unknown town which was filled with trepidation and anticipation. The roads leading to its hidden location were narrow and winding, cutting through dense forests and veiled by an air of secrecy. The closer we got, the more the landscape seemed to transform, as if it were shedding its earthly façade and revealing a realm untouched by time. The town materialized before us like a mirage, nestled in a secluded valley, surrounded by towering mountains. Its architecture was a blend of antiquity and charm, with cobblestone streets that wound through rows of quaint cottages and stone-walled buildings. The air was thick with the scent of ancient wood and sweet blossoms, as if nature itself whispered secrets to those who were willing to listen. As we ventured further, we discovered that the town was not as desolate as we initially believed. Though the streets were quiet and the windows mostly shuttered, signs of life flickered in the corners of our vision. Shadows darted across alleyways, and distant laughter echoed in the breeze, hinting at the presence of hidden inhabitants. The buildings, though weathered and worn, carried an air of mystery. Intricate carvings adorned their facades, depicting scenes of forgotten tales and lost legends, as if nature itself sought to reclaim the structures, weaving its magic into every crevice. The town square stood as the heart of this enigmatic place, a space where time seemed to stand still. A worn-out fountain stood as a centrepiece, its once-glistening waters now stagnant and still. Surrounding it were benches, weathered by the passage of countless souls seeking solace in the embrace of the town's ancient spirit. As we wandered through the labyrinthine streets, we discovered hidden nooks and crannies, each with its own story to tell. Abandoned storefronts hinted at past prosperity, their faded signs whispering tales of bustling markets and thriving communities. Gardens lay neglected, their once-vibrant blooms now a distant memory, as if the land itself mourned the loss of those who tended to it. But amidst the quietude, we sensed a pulsating energy, an undercurrent of anticipation. It was as if the town held its breath, waiting for the arrival of a catalyst, someone who could unravel the mystery and breathe life back into its forgotten corners. And that catalyst was Evalynn. Little did we know at the time, but her journey to this unknown town was no mere accident. She was destined to walk these ancient streets, to awaken the dormant magic that lay dormant within its heart. Her presence would ignite a transformation, not only for the town but also for herself. With every step we took, the town whispered its secrets, beckoning us to uncover the truth that lay buried beneath its surface. And we didn’t know that in our pursuit of the town's origins, we would stumble upon a revelation that would forever alter our perception of reality and plunge us into a world of mysticism and wonder. In our exploration, we stumbled upon an ancient journal tucked away in the corner of a dilapidated bookstore. Its pages were yellowed with age, its ink faded, but the words within spoke of a prophecy. A prophecy that foretold of a wanderer from distant lands, destined to unravel the enigma surrounding the town's existence. The journal spoke of Evalynn, describing her as a conduit between worlds, a bridge between the realm of the living and this bleak that permeated the town's foundations. It detailed her remarkable abilities, the untapped potential she possessed, and the journey she was destined to undertake. As we read the words, it became clear that Evalynn's presence in the unknown town was no mere coincidence. The town had called out to her, its ethereal whispers reaching across time and space, beckoning her to fulfil her role in the unfolding narrative. The journal hinted at an ancient ritual, one that required the convergence of cosmic alignments and the awakening of dormant energies. It spoke of a chosen one who would traverse the path of darkness and emerge as a harbinger of light, forever altering the course of the town's existence. We shared our findings with Evalynn, and a mixture of apprehension and determination flickered in her eyes. She recognized the weight of her role, the burden of destiny that now rested upon her shoulders. It was in that moment that she embraced her purpose, vowing to unravel the town's mysteries and fulfil the prophecy that had been set in motion. With newfound resolve, Evalynn delved deeper into the town's hidden corners, unearthing forgotten relics and piecing together the fragmented tales of its past. Each discovery brought her closer to the truth, yet also raised new questions, veiling the town's origins in an ever-deepening shroud of intrigue. The townsfolk, once mere spectres in the periphery of our vision, began to emerge from their hidden dwellings. They whispered ancient hymns and shared cryptic fragments of knowledge, guiding Evalynn on her quest. They recognized her as the one fated to unlock the town's secrets, and their trust in her grew with each passing day. As Evalynn's understanding of the town's enigma deepened, so did her connection to the hidden forces that swirled within its core. She began to tap into her latent abilities, sensing the ethereal threads that bound the town and its inhabitants together. Her evolution mirrored the town's own transformation, as if their destinies were inextricably intertwined. But as she ventured closer to the truth, Evalynn also faced unforeseen challenges. Dark forces, dormant for centuries, awakened in response to her meddling. They sought to quell the awakening magic, to shroud the town once more in the mists of forgotten history. The battle between light and darkness loomed, threatening to consume everything Evalynn held dear. And as the story unfolded, the fates of the unknown town and Evalynn became ever more entangled. The answers she sought lay within the depths of the town's origins, and the journey to uncover them would test her resolve, pushing her to the edge of her strength and sanity.
To be continued…
YOU ARE READING
Forsaken Words ( Anthology Made With Pain )
Espiritual"feeling isolated can undermine our ability to think clearly, an effect that has a certain poetic justice to it"
