Short stories

Masks

I walk quickly though the dark woods. Every corner I turn gets darker. My quick walk elevates into a run. The trees' piercing eyes penetrate my soul. Turning one last time, I trip over an oak chest.

I look at this foreign object in front of me. I crawl to it and lift its heavy lid. I examine its contents: three masks. I hesitantly pick up the first mask labeled "happiness". It is decorated beautifully. With gold swirls and gold vines all around.

I place the mask on my ugly face. It feels fairly sturdy. Breakable, yes, but it could withstand a lot. As soon as the mask is in place, I am no longer in the dark forrest. I am sitting in a field of wildflowers with some people I assume are my friends. We are laughing and having a good time. I don't want to leave this scene, but it's not me. I take off the mask and place it back in the chest.

I enthusiastically reach for the middle mask. It is simply elegant with small flowers gathered at the right ear. I check the label. It says "love". I place the fragile mask on my face, afraid I might break it. Unlike "happiness", this one was made of pure, white glass. I arrive in my next scene looking into the eyes of a handsome, young boy. He's holding my hand and lovingly stroking my cheek with his other hand. He moves closer until our foreheads are touching. His quick, sporadic breaths are mingling with mine. He leans down to kiss me with his soft lips. Reluctantly, I remove the mask before he can reach me. This is too good for me.

The last mask is the most terrifying one. It is one of solid, black rock. I am not so eager to try this one on. Glancing at the label, I see three petrifying words: "the real you". I place the mask on with shaky hands. Suddenly, I am in pitch darkness. I place my hands out in front of me, hoping to find a wall. I unsteadily move forward. I hear muffled sobs and cries. I see a ray of light. I follow it. The light is above a mirror. I stop dead in my tracks. I contemplate whether I want to see myself. I cautiously approach the mirror. I see, before me, a scared little girl. I touch the mask and find it is wet from tears. The cries I heard earlier are my own. I am still crying and shaking uncontrollably. I remember the label, "the real you." The real me is terrifying. I rip the mask off and stare at it. I notice a large crack on the left cheek that wasn't there before. I touch it gently. Realizing just how broken I am.

I sit and stare at the three masks, deciding which one to take with me. I make my decision and pick up a mask. On my way out of the forrest, I place the mask back on. Hoping to find my way through the pain of being alone. Hoping to conquer the monsters that lie in wait for me in the darkest corners. I walk by myself through the darkness that I fear.