Me: slowly whispering "Hello?"
I hear a series of coughing sounds — harsh, grating. Someone's really not well.
Unknown: "Well, -- hel- lo, uh, uh, -- human."
The figure before me is an old man, his clothes shredded and hanging in tatters. I freeze, unable to speak. The sight of him is both terrifying and intriguing, leaving me torn between staying and running away.
Unknown: "You can leave me like everyone else. I'd not mind at all."
It's as if he can read my mind. Shivers run down my spine.
Me: "N-No. I'm not leaving. I- I want some answers..."
The night is chilly and I regret not bringing my sweater. Yet, I had traveled here for answers, weary and frustrated by the events unfolding around me.
Unknown: "What answers do you want dear? What answers? After killing me like more than million times, you come and say you want answers from me? Me? presses thumb against his chest Oh human, when you're the one who killed me, shredded me and brought me to this state.. how can you?... how can you ask questions to me?"
His voice rises and falls in pitch, each word a testament to the evils we've committed.
Me: "I know I'm wrong."
I fall to my knees, pleading for answers, for a semblance of comfort to quell the chaos in my mind. Rain begins to fall but I hardly notice.
Unknown: sighs "There's a difference between knowing and realizing dear. To know something is common, but to realize the same thing to it's core is rare. How many brutal kills, assaults, wars, pains, blemishes, sufferings have you caused? Can you give me completely true statistics? Forget forensics or science, give me a real life account."
I remain silent, unable to respond.
"It's more than even I could ever count. Why? Why have you become so instinctive? Acting on only one state of mind without caring about single consequence. In this race of technology, you keep digging your own grave and each day going deeper. sighs
But you'll not understand, let everything turn its tide on you, maybe you'll understand then. As of now, write this epitaph on my tombstone, 'Choice is yours to send me to heaven or hell'."
The rain is now pouring but I don't care. I follow his instructions and the spirit vanishes into thin air. A blue aura surrounds me, bringing an unexpected peace. The storm in my mind calms and I feel reborn.
©Saramitra
Woof! A short story tale for today, lemme know your honest opinions on the same :)
Thanks for stopping by,
Saramitra
YOU ARE READING
Journey to the Depth of my Soul ✓
Poetry❝you've been broken for long, come, let me heal you again❞ the darkest valleys of soul have been broken for long. let's burn our inner flames again, soaring so high, it makes the stars smile again. let the journey begin. bon voyage. ✦•··············...
