Rated: PG or K+

Genre: Horror/Suspense

Summary: The mind is a terrible, terrible thing to waste.

The Journey

By: Heather Grey

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

One wrong move and everything you once known is gone. One right move and you will always have the chance to remember something new.

Or learn something new.

Either way, you're in control. You are the one who decides the path your mind is on.

However, if you decide to travel the road not taken, you might find a shocking surprise—there's no way of going back. Any detours or shortcuts will drive you further in (or away) depending on the choices you made.

The roses smell sweeter on the other side.

Try shifting the gear in reverse and you'll find it impossible. You will only get lost on the turbulent terrain. Driving in neutral, I advise, is best on the hilly paths. But still you drive forward in the mysterious thick fog, judging and hoping the direction is the correct one to return to the sanity of light.

Shadows dance on the roads, sometimes calling out for help.

You want to stop but do not. These shadows are no good and will make matters worse. Ignore them at all costs.

Continue the journey.

Enjoy the plentiful and beautiful sights. Do not be tempted by the sweet-smelling roses on the right. They are no good and mean to harm. The left is your friend and those roses are far better!

Next you turn up on a black road. No other color exists but the blinding onyx. Do not fear! Do not fear the swarming darkness that swallows any passing light. Once this is past the trip is almost over. If you must, take a few deep breaths before plunging in.

Be careful, though.

There's a reason for the cover of night in this black hole.

There are many bends and twists that cannot be seen only felt. Trust your instincts! Its peril I say! Second guess yourself and you will fail.

Please, do not ask me what happens if such fate occurs.

Trust me.

Here's a hint… follow the scent of the roses. Not the right (there's a difference as you noticed) but the left. Then the end is near and you'll be safe.

The trail is faint, yet lucky for us our noses are keen to pick the fragrance up. Quite a relief if you ask me.

As a warning, there will be voices.

Some harsh and gentle, though both tones have the same intentions. They're trying to confuse you, trick you from finishing on the left side. They will beg for you to follow the right roses, but you're smart and wise enough to push them away. If not, then do not let them stop you. Fight if you must, however, whatever you do, do not let them win.

You're in control. You're in the driver's seat. You have the power to decide what's good for you.

Aren't the roses lovely? I love the roses, so calming and pretty. You can almost see the red, velvet petals through the tunnel. Reach out and you can touch them. Are they not beautiful? Are they not refreshing to the nostrils?

Ah, light!

Can you not see the beams? Can you not feel the warm rays against your skin?

The point of no return has past and you have finally arrived at your destination.

Safe, no?

I love the control. I am a free person to invent and create. I am free like an eagle!

I can accomplish anything that comes to mind. I can fly too, did you know? Don't believe me? Ask the demons dressed in white, impersonating angels.

Not all are bad. They let me live my life in the shiny white light. It's soft, cushiony. Plenty of room to spread my wings to fly high high high! I'll go so high that no one can drag me back.

Well… except the roses. I love the left roses the very best.

Do you not agree?

The End