Dark Light

Chapter 12: Heaven Sanctuary

The grassy field filled with light until the horizon, the ocean filled with life at the edge. I always dreamed of that place. But it will always be clouded by destiny.

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Glimmers of light shone upon me from somewhere outside of the blackness of dreams. It wasn't the cold, harsh light that shone time and time again with force; it was pure and warm. A hand made of happiness formed and showed me to the exit. It asked nicely, I had a choice this time. And when the fire grew to end the deep nightmare, it spoke with words my heart desired above all.

Staying all alone in this dark and empty dream was what a part of me desired. The cruelty of reality was far too bad to understand. But even so, this dream lurked with monsters made by my own delusions. Memories that haunted, like circles, endlessly, too sad to wake up from. And every time I saw them, some part of me died.

But there was something else now. Someone promised a promised light. Something I couldn't stop thinking about. And even just the smallest glimmer of hope gave me enough strength to keep going. All I can do is search for my own happiness. And all I want is that light that makes me smile, not tear up in despair.

In the end, I reached out for the hand made of light, never knowing if it was the right decision. And even as I did, someone's eyes kept glaring at my choices. While the shadow said nothing, it watched on with a gleeful smile and tears. But my answer was final. I will find the happiness that I have been searching for in my heart. And even if I have to leave and get hurt, I will do it.

The touch of the hand guided me away in a sea of warmth. The doubts in my mind were all swept away. The words of cruelty simply vanished from my consciousness. And then, dawn returned.

With daylight shining upon my face, my world opened up again from the dark night. The sun, shining brightly through a cloudless sky, made my heart forget that which shouldn't be forgotten. This was a new day, a new change to find something worth living for. But to my dismay, I befell in loneliness.

Only my presence drifted through the small spaces.

But staying in bed wasn't an option, not as someone's words reverberated around my head. "Are you prepared to keep living?" he said, right? It was finally a new day where the light still shone, and the darkness driven away to the corner of the horizon. It was my time, my moment, to step out of bed and embrace the world as it is.

There was only one place where my mind wandered off. At the opposite side of the room stood the workbench covered by books. The wandering scent of man, deep at work, still lingered over them. And one in particular, a leathery, dark green novel, stood out in importance.

With as much care I could muster, I carefully opened the book and spilled its contents. Its words are unreadable but beautiful. Pictures, descriptions, many of them not ever seen. Beasts, creatures, plants, and sceneries spoke of a world beyond my imagination. The same world I saw that day; the lake shining so bright.

I kept staring, wondering what the world could entail. But it wouldn't last, not forever. Soon enough, my attention averted to the shimmering of a mirror. It stood alongside the books on the desk, waiting for my arrival. It showed my reflection, but not quite. A long, black hue covered my hair until only the tips. And bandages, red from my own dried blood, spilled misery onto my soul.

I could remember everything. Monsters and demons watched over me as terror and fear crept in with every action. Every word they said, every scar they left, covered my face, my arms, and even my fingers. Those scars will heal in time, but their voices still echoed vividly. And those will never vanish, not as I stared at them longingly.