We stood on the edge of a cliff, it's bottom far too deep to be seen. I wanted to put my hand in yours and tell you everything will be fine, for I could see the other side, and knew we could make the jump. I looked at you, but you shied away from my gaze, it's threat unknown to me. I could see it in the way you held yourself.
You wanted to run.
You ran from me, that night. The darkness of the chasm in front of us was too much to bear, it's dark threat too looming. No caring words would convince you as you looked into my eyes for the last time.
You were just... Gone.
Gone.
No.
Not yet.
I looked for you. I left my place at the precipice and searched among the trees and leaves until I found you nestled in the trunk of a mighty oak, it's hollowed opening worn to a shine from familiar use. I could feel the might of this oak closing on me as I edged my head into the opening. There I saw in the dim light marks on the walls. Words, phrases, soliloquy, paragraphs... Characters with personalities fleshed so real you could almost feel their eyes piercing you; worlds so open and alive you could feel the wind on your face. Finally, I saw you. You were on your side, breathing heavily from the tears that were drawn from you like poison, your raven hair covering your irritated eyes. I walked to your side and stooped down to you, tears welling in the depths of my own eyes.
"Beautiful creature, why do you weep?" I murmured to you.
"I cannot follow you," you choked. "The chasm is too much for one such as I."
You thrust your arms towards me, and I could see the marks. Tallies of every person, every thought that did you ill. The marks were many, and a few still fresh.
You drew your arms back.
"Do you understand now?"
"I do," I replied with sorrowful expression as I gazed at my own arms hidden under a length of sleeve. "I have felt the evils of this world, and this life thrust upon us. Maybe not as harsh as you, maybe not as deep as you, but I understand."
"I understand."
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