The Vial

A Story by cv

She came in a dream the first time I saw her. She was wrapped in a white cloak and held a staff in one hand. We were feet apart, but I could hear her breathing... We were in a garden filled with beautiful flowers earth has never seen. She comes towards me and grabs my hand and walks me around the garden. We stop at a bench and she tells me to sit. "I've heard your cries for help," she says, "I understand you fully. I'm here to help you, not to harm you. I'm here to save you from this dark cold world." She reaches into her pocket and hands me a vial. "I have the answer to all your problems. Take this and you will feel the arms of happiness carry you home." I don't hesitate in taking the bottle. I know this is what I want. I know this is what I need. I uncork the vial and drink the liquid. Its a sweet tasting first sip... But the more I take, the more it reminds me of death. This is what I wanted, right? Isn't this how its supposed to be? The feeling of the liquid going down my throat is almost like swallowing rocks. My vision is becoming blurry... My breathing becomes heavy... I feel her icy grip on my throat... Its as though she's choking me...

But its the best feeling I could ever imagine