Pandora's Box

Melancholy

I feel a melancholy creeping over me.

Slowly at first, I could see it, standing back. Watching, waiting for the right moment. If I am not careful, it will attack and then I will have to fight it face to face instead of merely waiting until it grows bored and turns to other prey.

But I've been careless. I turned my back and felt his cold touch upon my shoulder. I turn to face him, but it's too late. He already has a handhold. I struggle to remove him, but to no avail. The harder I struggle, the deeper he digs until I think he will never let go.

I give up. I welcome him with open arms. Hoping...

I can feel melancholy wrap his long, strong arms around me, surrounding me with his cape of swirling gray emotion. I surrender to the feeling of – not despair but almost of hopelessness.

Suddenly! HE releases me with a snarl.

He turns to leave, his cape swirling angrily, but before he vanishes, he caresses my cheek, leaving a reminder and a subtle warning. Our war is not yet over.

I can almost hear him speak, though his perfect lips do not move. "I shall return for you..."

I shudder as I realize how close I came to being trapped in a prison from which there is no escape.

I look around, hoping to see my savior. Suddenly I see...

I choke back a cry as tears course down my face. I see what saved me from melancholy. Love. Standing there with open arms, love is always there waiting if you just know where to look and how to ask.