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They had known nothing but the bottom of this prison for so many years; their only desire was freedom. Their cell was not one of bars and cages but more like the bottom of a well, a small but deep well. An enchanted, or rather cursed place, one where they could not die from lack of food or water. Perhaps not even from age or disease. The disgusting, damp, and putrid location was complete with a small pool of polluted water and plenty of holes for the mice and rats to scurry in and out. Their only light was a distant beacon, a single glimmer so far above them.
They’ve known nothing but this prison for so long, they had no memory of why they were down here in the first place. Their body was drenched in overgrown hair, so mangled and filthy there was no hope cleaning it. They had no memory of their own face, name, or even who they were.
They clawed for release. They fought desperately to escape. Yet, there was no point in trying to climb the sheer walls that surrounded them. Any attempt failed almost immediately, as they’d simply slip on the smooth stones that made up their prison.
This was their life. This was all they knew for countless years. That was until a single rope was dropped into their prison. It was clean, thick, and strong, more than enough to support their body weight. Even a strong tug only confirmed that wherever the rope was tied to, it was secured very well. Escape now would only be a matter of gathering enough energy to make the climb.
As they placed their hands upon the rope and steeled themselves for their now inevitable escape, a new fear awakened in their heart. Was this indeed their salvation or merely a cruel trick? Beyond that, what happens when they escape? Assuming the entrance to their prison was unguarded, what’s to say they are ready for the world outside? They had forgotten everything. They didn’t even know who they were anymore. What was the outside world even like?
Their grip upon the rope tightened as their heart raced for the first time in ages. Was freedom even worth it at this point? Could they follow through, or would they only end up back in their prison, or worse? Their hands shook as they took one last moment to come to a decision. With great hesitation and concern, they made up their mind.
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Nothing is stronger than a desire for freedom, except maybe fear of the unknown.
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy
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