-Repentance

[Words to Image. I take a random image and listen to the story it asks me to write. I spend a quick 15-20 minutes typing it out and then share. I hope you enjoy.]

The portal opened and he knew the time was now. If he didn't catch it before it closed, he would be forced to continue on in his normal manner, as he always had. But he was done, ready for change, and this anomaly only happened once before. He chose not to change, then, but today he was exhausted. Today, he decided enough was enough. He was tired of the side eyes, the criticisms, the lack of respect, and the way he felt about himself. He was tired of how he treated others. He had been this way for so long that he barely remembered what it was like to have any friends. No one cared to be around him, anymore. And those who did were simply using him for their own benefits. He never felt truly seen or appreciated, thus his acting out. Thus, his cold dark heart. But today was his opportunity for change. He was fully prepared to give it up and start new.

The fog set in and the buckling edges of the portal's frame crackled with the sounds of stress and energy. He slowly stepped forward just as the other did. They stood in silence and stared at one another, each guessing what the other was about and what might be their first words. They were worlds apart. This had never happened before, an actual meeting, and it was very uncomfortable. But it was now or never.

He held up his blackened heart, took one last heavy breath, and then passed it through the glass into the other realm.

"This has not served me well. All it has ever brought me was hatred and sadness. I felt it kept me safe ... untouchable ... and stronger than the others. All it ever did was make me feel small. I overcompensated to offset my own insecurities and hurt a lot of people in the process. But that is not me, now. This is not who I want to be, anymore. So ... I give this to you because I won't need it, ever again. Do what you will with it, but please, never ever let me see it again."

The other took the blackened heart but remained silent. The simple process of finally handing it over was rejuvenating, exhilarating. A surge of relief poured over his entire body and for the first time, in a very long time, he was able to smile. It was foreign but felt absolutely amazing.

The portal's frame snapped and crackled as the transaction was complete. What was done, was done. The change had begun.

Timmy looked up at the Devil and asked, "Can you survive without it?"

The devil replied, "I will. The question is ... what will you do with it?"

The Devil turned and disappeared into the fog. The portal crackled and closed, leaving Timmy to contemplate what to do with the evilest heart that ever was. It was his problem now.

But the Devil was free.

[I write these for personal enjoyment. When I do, I write via my creative side, 'Angelo Bain.' If you enjoyed my words, please, like, comment, and share. Your comments feed my brain. Thank you to the many artists who create and share their images that fuel this fire in me.]