Aurum

by Gwen Johnson

The world was so dark. I was plagued by nothing by total and absolute darkness. But what looked like it could be just a couple feet away from me, was the brightest little light I’d ever seen. It floated there in the black sea before expanding around me. I became engulfed in its light and warmth. Smaller balls of light wooshed past me, their glow bouncing off my skin. Floating through the golden abyss, I began to feel more and more in peace than I had ever before. My body began to move around on its own, freely bending in my golden bubble. Bright red hair brushes over my face as I spin around in every direction. Glittering swirls coat every fiber of my being, before a jolt of electricity awakens all of my senses. The tranquil peace I experienced moments before turns violent and harsh to the outside force. Almost protecting me. The bubble grows and shrinks rapidly and all its contents increase in speed. My surroundings expand once more as if it is taking a deep breath. Then, all in one instant, everything comes rushing towards me all at once. I can physically feel the golden light find its way through me. It latches onto every vein, every muscle, every bone. It becomes me. I am the light. And just as fast as it arrives, it leaves me floating in the black sea, alone. Trying to get my bearings, I feel around for anything to prove I am not entirely alone. But I am. Another entity enters my space. Much colder and more familiar than the ethereal one before. The force grabs ahold of me and pushes me down. Hard. In a freefall, I try to scream for help, but my voice is already weak and strained like I’ve been screaming for hours. My body collides with metal. Its cold surface sends a massive chill throughout my entire body, quelling the still warm sensation of the light. 