Transition from Despair

Mika’s logical mind was trapped inside the citadel walls of despair. His dire situation and his inability to find a resolution quickly only worsened the desperation he was feeling. Despair is a beast that blinds its victim from seeing rational solutions that would be obvious to the unencumbered mind. Despair is a self-perpetuating creature that feeds off the hopelessness of its prey. Yes, he must find an escape before his body and mind succumb to the ever-increasing pressure.

With a herculean effort, Mika surveyed his surroundings. Long straight corridors branching from a central hub and high ceilings reflected echoes as people passed by. He was in some type of public building; that much was obvious. The enormity of the task at hand momentarily allowed his despair to briefly reassert its dominance. However, the internal tug of war quickly slid back in Mika’s direction.

One thing was crystal clear: if he were to emerge victorious over despair, he needed to move from his present location. Cautiously, he shuffled his feet, taking a stuttering half-step. It was painful, but more steps were required. All the while, he scanned the corridors, searching for his prize. Regular steps replaced baby steps, and eventually, full strides took over. The citadel walls around his mind were now cracking as his confidence slowly returned. Yes, he just might make it after all.

The pain was now relentless, driving him forward with renewed purpose. At the end of a long hall, he spotted a solid door with a plaque attached. He took several more steps, bringing him close enough to read the word embossed on the sign. MEN. The citadel walls exploded, and bright light replaced the darkness in his mind. He had reached his goal.

But despair does not take defeat lightly. As Mika placed his hand on the door, it released a tendril from deep in the darkest regions of his subconscious. The appendage slithered up to the surface of his mind and imbedded a thought—What if there’s no toilet paper?