Dark, tiny, confined,
Barely able to reach out in front of me.
I look up to see a pinpoint of light and have hope.
Looking for a way out, I push forward.
Wall.
I run my fingers along the floor and feel a rock.
I place my foot on it as the air starts to thicken.
I clench onto a jagged stone and pull myself up, praying it does not give way.
I breathe a sigh of relief for it is strong, and I take one more step up.
I feel around again, this time finding a crevice.
I hold my breath as I place my hand inside.
Exhaling, I take another step up, relieved the crevice was not otherwise occupied.
The weight of my body becoming heavier over the next few maneuvers,
I start to feel weak.
I want to give up,
Let go and fall back to the bottom.
I take another breath.
WAIT!
It’s different…
The air isn’t as thick.
I close my eyes for a moment, and when I open them –
I can start to make out the bricks on the wall…
My strength comes back, and I begin climbing faster.
Every so often, my foot slips.
I stop, discouraged and afraid.
I look up and see the pinpoint light has now become the size of a basketball.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Slow down!
It’s not a race, I remind myself.
I open my eyes and continue on.
The darkness is fading away, and I can breathe easier.
Are those voices I hear?
Are they calling my name?
No.
Just silence.
Feeling alone again,
I want to give up.
I start to cry, ready to let go.
What’s the point?
There’s no end to this.
But then…
The light becomes blinding,
The air, pure.
Suddenly, I feel hands grabbing, pulling.
Frightened, I scream and start to fight back.
My eyes adjust to the new light, and I stop fighting.
I am wrapped safely in the arms of my family and friends,
My loved ones who helped save me from the darkness.