A flashlight—I'd been in that cell for so long that a simple flashlight blinded me. I felt ashamed by that moment, a shame that made me realize just how alone I was in that place, in that seemingly endless hallway.
I spent hours thinking, trying to find answers in my mind, in my memories, but everything was black; there were only fragments that guided me instinctively. Perhaps that's why I felt nothing, perhaps that's why it seemed so natural to me—like a child's lullaby in a park or a grandfather in his garden.
After hours, I finally reached the end of the hallway, but a large stone door blocked what appeared to be the exit. I tried to push and pull it to no avail; I couldn't contain my anger, so I punched the door in a futile attempt to vent, then simply sat down, letting out a sigh—one that described my state of mind.
I was hungry and thirsty, physically and mentally exhausted. I was sure a day had already passed since I woke up. I had a basic understanding of human anatomy; I would die in two days if I didn't get out of there. And as I thought, a beetle walked by. I watched it climb that wall and grabbed it with a hand bleeding a dark liquid with white edges.
"Malice"
Those words came out without me even thinking about them; I hadn't even realized it was the first time I'd spoken aloud since waking up in that place.
I grabbed the beetle with both hands, bathing it in what I called «malice». I wouldn't know how to describe what happened; we could say I dismantled the beetle to «correct» it to my vision—a weapon. I created a gun, a small, organic one. I was happy; creating that weapon warmed my heart, giving me an illusion of safety. At that moment, it seemed beautiful to me, much more beautiful than its former beetle form.
I aimed at the door and pulled the trigger… nothing, not a scratch. I wasn't surprised; I knew instinctively what I had to do, as if someone were guiding me. I searched every corner for an animal, a living creature that wasn't an insect. after hours of searching, I gave up; there had to be another way out, perhaps through the back. I didn't have time left; I was already beginning to feel my limbs grow heavy. Almost in desperation, I was euphorically searching for a solution, a way out, or anything that could extend my life at that moment. And by luck—or perhaps thanks to fate—I found a nest of white snakes. You cannot imagine my happiness at that moment.
I didn't think twice; I cut myself open and bathed the entire nest in my blood, taking the lives of three snakes.
I quickened my pace toward the stone door, euphoric once again. I had never felt such a whirlwind of emotions in a single day, but I couldn't ignore that stabbing pain in my head.
In front of the door, I cocked the gun; a purple light emanated from it, and when I pulled the trigger, the force of the shot was such that it reduced the door to rubble, pushing me backward.
I shook my head in pain, looking through the smoke, seeing that what lay beyond that door was nothing but ruins and a beast devouring what appeared to be a man's arm.