It was just today. The strangest phenomenon happened. I was angry with myself, as usual. So, instead of sitting down in my apartment building and crying, I decided to go on the roof. My toes hanging off the edge, looking down at the large plummet to the streets, I felt like I could finally be free.
I took a deep breath and slowly leaned forward...but I didn't fall. Someone had grabbed my hand, keeping me on the roof. I tensed up in surprise, not knowing what to say or do. Turning around to confront the stranger, there was nothing there. I thought it was just my conscience or something. But...I knew jumping was the right answer to fix everything. I rolled my eyes and turned back to the edge. I jumped off, then was pulled back. I was dangling in the air by the back of my shirt, and was slowly pulled back to the roof again. I was freaking out; how could someone be that strong? Maybe if I say nothing, it'll go away. Then it spoke.
"Gee, I tried telling you once then you make me go reveal myself."
I wasn't even facing the stranger, but it was obviously male. But...this guy says it like it's more a burden to him than it is for me to keep living. I finally snap.
"Just who do you think you are, huh?! If I'm that much of a burden, then let me jump!"
The stranger sighed and dropped me on the floor.
"Look kid, suicide isn't the answer but don't turn around cause-"
I whipped my head around, despite the warning. The stranger yelped and covered his face. I stared utterly horrified. I wanted to run, but I was petrified. The stranger wasn't a stranger at all. It was a monster. It looked almost human, but like a giant shadow. About 8 feet tall this creature towered over me. He heard my stoned silence, and removed his hand from his face. There was nothing there, no eyes, nose, ears...but there was a big, toothy grin. When he spoke, his mouth didn't move a muscle.
"Now you've gone and done it...! I told you not to turn around!" The thing said nervously. He stooped down to my height and reached out to put a hand on my shoulder, but his arm retreated back to its original place. The creature sighed again.
"Look...I know for a fact that suicide isn't the answer," He mumbled. Even though he was tall and terrifying, his voice was hauntingly melodic. I shook my head, getting out of my fearful trance. I shuffle back a bit and get off the ground.
"A-and how would you know that, huh?! You gigantic smiling bastard!" My mouth was soon covered by his hand. He hesitated, looking down to the ground. He then looked back up and giggled.
"Sweetheart, it's a long story; and I swear if I didn't have to smile, I wouldn't."
I yanked his hand off my mouth. I was now rather curious about what this...thing...was, who it was, all those questions.
"Tell me who...what...whatever you are!" I yelled, thinking that was the way to get him to listen. He laughed.
"I'll make you a deal...you don't jump, I can walk you home, and I'll talk on the way there."
I looked down to the ground for a moment. If it meant that I got to know about this weird creature, then it was worth it.
"Fine," I groaned "But my house is just down there."
"Then we'll take a longcut," He giggled, snapping his pitch-black fingers together. A portal appeared behind him. He stood to his full height and humbly walked inside, waving his arm. "C'mon, it's this way!"
I hesitated, then followed the creature. Hey, at least I could die a cool way if this was all a trap. I entered the portal and gasped in amazement. It was like an open field, with trees surrounding the edges. If you looked up into the sky, you could see the entire universe...but the stars were moving.
"Welcome to my home! The soul realm!" He beamed with pride at his beautiful home. Soul...realm...? I waved my hand at my head, knowing there are more important questions to ask.
"So...what's your name?"
"Truth," he answered flatly. He kept walking. I had to trot to keep up. Truth? What kind of name is that? I didn't want to anger Truth, so I stopped asking about his name.
"Truth...why'd you stop me from jumping?" I questioned meekly. He stopped walking, and turned his head so I could see a profile shot of his face. Oh no...wrong question, wrong question! "Y-you don't have to answer if you-"
"Let's just say I was in the same battle as you are right now...and I lost."
I didn't speak any more, not wanting to ask anything else. He seemed a bit touchy about the subjects, how can a creature like him be so socially awkward? He grabbed my hand and continued walking. I just looked at the scenery of beautiful trees and moving stars. We soon reached another portal and he took me through it. I was expecting to see my home again, but was surprised to find we were at a therapist's office.
"Y-you said you would take me home..." I whispered. No one noticed the tall creature having to bend down a bit so he wouldn't hit his head.
"Well, you were having troubles so..." He looked towards a lady at the desk. "...look, just talk then go home...I want you to be safe, kid," he laughed nervously. "I mean, you don't have to, but...just do it for me, okay? Remember that I'm always watching."
"But you have no eyes, silly," I tried to brighten the mood a bit.
"I can still see, though...Just be safe, okay?" His hand stopped holding mine, as I turned to look for the new thing I called a friend, there was nothing but the walls.
Truth, I owe you my life. Thank you.
~Anonymous
