One-Shots

Sight

I was the first. The first blind human to be able to see. It had taken months to prepare, to explain, and to conduct the surgery, but it had finally been done.

I was unable to completely see; my vision was still nonexistent without the aid of a cord, which connected to my vision center in the occipital lobe and traveled out of my brain to a computer. From there, I could surf the web and see anything I wanted to see in this vast world.

It was a miracle. The world was beautiful.

I started with the actual world- the sights and nature of the Earth. The sights flooded my brain, and an assistant, who was assigned to guide me through this experience, told me what I was seeing, such as what the colors were, the animals and plants displayed, and everything in between. I was in awe with this world's beauty, and I couldn't get enough.

Eventually, my doctors and the assistant herself believed I had learned enough with her aid, and I was free to explore anything I desired. They allowed me to return to my home with the promise of updates on my progress.

I was elated. I couldn't wait to get home and scour every inch of the Internet. When I arrived, I traveled through multitudes of information and sights, my mind devouring all that it received.

I found funny videos, spooky stories, and these silly pictures my sister told me were called 'memes.' I sent the doctor e-mail updates daily, describing my progress and the things I've learned. He would reply with words of encouragement, of happiness, and the message to continue learning.

And learn I did.

I learned to love the internet... for a while. That was, until, I stumbled across some very, very dark websites.

Shocked and disgusted at the graphic images and summaries I saw, I backtracked and searched for what I had seen.

It was called 'The Deep Web,' and according to its description, it was filled with grotesque and graphic images that could not be found easily.

At first, I was disgusted. My paradise of beauty and lovely sights had been infected with these horrid glimpse of crude images. At first, I was completely against traveling deeper into that side of the internet, afraid of what I'd find.

However, my curious mind couldn't hold back. Before I knew what I was doing, I delved into the madness that is The Deep Web, and from there, everything spiraled out of control.

I discovered a game played with The Deep Web; the player searched through various obscure websites, trying to find these codes and links that took them deeper. Eventually, the player could find a legend called 'The Red Room,' a website where there were no limits, barriers, or rules. The player could stumble upon anything upon entering the Red Room, such as videos of severe torture, sexual assault, or even executions. If the player so desired, they and other players could include themselves in the 'entertainment' by commenting what they would like to see and even make decisions for the people in charge.

The thought of such a place intrigued me, and even though I knew I didn't want to see such acts, my mind was hungry for new knowledge.

So I played the game; I scouted the websites, discovered links and codes, and traveled deeper and deeper. Occasionally, I was hacked and had to start completely over, but I pressed on, desperate to unveil this horrific sight.

During my search, I saw many disturbing images, many of which made my skin crawl. I would begin to hear noises around me, and quick, dark movements at the edge of my false vision. I jumped at everything I saw, but still, I continued.

I am writing this as a warning. After many strenuous weeks of trying to enter, I made it into the rumored Red Room.

Do not enter the Red Room. No matter how curious, no matter how adventurous, no matter what, do not enter this wretched place. I've seen things... things I wish I could unsee.

Not only that, but now, I'm going to die. The man in charge of the actions of the Red Room traces random computer addresses, from what I have gathered, and hunts them down. I have received multiple messages from this unknown man; the messages were filled with cryptic speech and strange forms of code.

Nevertheless, one message was clear: I was next.

So this, whoever is reading this, is both a warning and a suicide note. I've seen what this man does to people. I can't let myself get captured. If I do, then my death will most definitely bHEHWVWIWBW WUEGKWONWVWIBWJWUBEIWBWIWBWIWBWKODOEBWBRGEUEBEJJS

THESE.ARE.ALL.LIES.

THE.RED.ROOM.IS.WONDERFUL.

WE.COULD.ALWAYS.USE.MORE.VISITORS.

PLEASE.COME.AND.ENJOY.YOUR.STAY.

Will you be next, my dear? :)