Optimistically Cynical: A Short Story Compilation- 1

AMALGAMATION

Come with me and I will take you on a journey, far from the comforts of civilized society. To a place that exists on the edge of a dream, but the trek there is more akin to a nightmare.

First, we must leave everything behind and take only the bare essentials. Chief among which must be a jar, I'll tell you why later, for we are about to embark on a pilgrimage and it must be approached with all the reverence due such an outing.

So, say goodbye to your love ones and give them one last kiss, as it's likely you won't be coming back.

The road is long and there are no stops along the way, for few, if any, dare to travel so far from the protection of modern society. And you will find that of our merry group, a few have already dropped out. But cry not a tear for them as you will need them for yourself, since the trials to come will test your mettle even down to the bone.

Soon we find the beaten path has left us behind and we are now surrounded by unmarked greenery as far as the eye can see. But worry not and trust in my direction and I will lead us along the invisible trail with only the whispering of the grass to keep us on the straight and narrow.

Take my hand, dear traveler, and hold on for dear life, for we are now surrounded by a most dark, most dense forest, with all manner of dangers ready to reach out from their place of shadow and drag you down with them to the underworld.

But look, we are free of the terrible nocturnal creatures, only to find the glaring sun beating down upon us, as we descend a steep, sloped hill into a wide spanning, barren land with sparse bits of vegetation that are more dead then alive. Here we must be careful to conserve our water lest we fall beneath the burning ball in the sky and bake without mercy.

How many are there of us left? Half? A quarter? No, only you and I remain. Where the rest have gone, is anyone's guess, but let us instead focus on the steep hill, that is more mountain, which towers over the land and must be climbed.

Careful now, watch your step and be mindful where you place your hands, as there are brambles hiding inside every crevice, ready to jump out and snag you but good, and keep you to your dying breath.

But trust me, it was all worth it, for here we are at the tip top where we find the very object of our travels. A most ancient well whose construct is worn and cracked, but still serves its purpose and is overgrown with vines and weeds.

Take now the jar, you remember the one, and unplug the stopper. Look inside, it is filled with the very essence of your travels. Your blood, sweat, tears, hopes, dreams, aspirations, all the things that make up the individual that is yourself, have been collected and stored for this very moment. Pour it now into the well and watch your essence mingle with all the rest.

Finished? Good. But leave me to my task, for I am one who takes and does not give back. Into my own jar the swirling liquid goes, as much as it can hold, and I secure it so not a drop will spill.

Now dear traveler, I bid you adieu as I allow my wings to break of their restraint and unfurl to their full range, while my body lifts effortlessly and I fly higher than any one can possibly see. Taking with me everything I should need, at least for a time. After which, I'll have to find a new traveler to take the pilgrimage.