I had a feeling something wasn't right. It felt heavy the way he stopped and halted, as if he had to continue even if he didn't want to. He sighed at last, his voice heavy with solemnity.
"It's condensed in your eyes," he said, "but the curse has spread." It is slowly moving to other areas of your body, including your brain, which is the most important. It will completely destroy your mind in a matter of hours, resulting in your demise. After he paused, he said, "I am sincerely sorry."
I felt his words reverberate through my mind like a thunderclap.
I felt lightheaded, numb, and as though the floor had disappeared. An uproar of feelings erupted, including rage, sorrow, and dread. I had a whirlwind spiral of thoughts.
I reflected on my life, my loved ones, and all those who had supported me. My late mother, who had passed away while giving birth to me, came to mind. I had carried that guilt with me throughout my life, thinking that I was to blame for her passing and that she could have had a longer life had I not been there. And now, knowing that my life could end so quickly...
Time seemed to fly by. As I sat there struggling with my feelings, it seemed like hours had gone by. For a moment, I felt angry because I wanted to blame someone, anyone, for everything. But I knew in my heart that there was no use. Everything that was done was done.
A silent melancholy descended upon me. I had never placed much value on my life, so if this was the end, I didn't fear death per se. The idea of abandoning my family, who had always supported me and believed in me in spite of my shortcomings, was what troubled me. When they discovered the truth, would they be overcome with guilt?
I exhaled, letting go of my helplessness, fear, and rage. My only response was a feeble "Okay."
The change in me seemed to be sensed by the god. He spoke again, his voice softer.
"Remember this to calm your fears: you don't have to die here. We have discussed and come up with a solution, as I indicated. However, you have to make the decision.
I waited for him to elaborate while I sat silently.
"We have decided to take you out of this world and put you in another, one that is governed by my sister. With special magic molecules that will break the curse, this realm functions differently. You'll start over. Additionally, we will provide you with tools and training to aid in your adjustment to this new environment.
After pausing to see how I would respond, he went on.
"I can relate to your concerns about becoming a burden. However, the planet you're heading to will provide you a new beginning and the opportunity to recover what you've lost, including your sight."
Despite their weight, his remarks had an odd sense of consolation. It seemed unreal to think that the gods had considered my situation and were giving me another shot.
"Well," I responded, smiling a little, "I don't think I have much of an option here. I'll seize the opportunity to live a different life and become something more if it presents itself. You have my forgiveness for everything. I understand how much work you've put into setting things right, and I know you didn't intend for it to happen."
I meant all I said. I secretly harbored no animosity against the gods. I had learned from the orphanage's director that even in the face of apparent cruelty, kindness and forgiveness were qualities worth pursuing.
A clear and vivid memory came to mind:
I heard a disturbance outside the orphanage when I was seven years old. A man was yelling obscenities at the director, accusing us of being a burden on society and wasting money. He had come to vent his frustrations as a merchant whose business was failing. I thought the director would respond, but instead he just stood there, cool and motionless, allowing the man's rage to run its course.
I later questioned him why he hadn't stood up for himself, and he grinned and replied:
"It's simple to let rage to rule you. However, emotional control is the key to real strength. Always take the quiet route if it is possible to do so. Forgiveness is a gift for you as well as for other people. Never allow ego or pride to impair your judgment.
Those remarks stuck with me and shaped who I am now. The shopkeeper eventually came back and expressed his sincere regret for his outburst. He was immediately pardoned by the director. The shopkeeper became one of our biggest supporters after that day, even referring to the director as his "big brother."
I inhaled deeply and anchored myself in that recollection. Sincerely, "Thank you," I said. "For allowing me this opportunity. for making such sacrifices for me. I'm prepared.
The voice of the god grew softer. "The god who caused this accident will go with you to the next world. He will act as your tutor and guide, making sure you comprehend your new environment. Although there isn't any magic in the conventional sense in the world you're traveling to, its inhabitants have chosen a different route, one that is based on invention and science. It will be fascinating to you.
"And do not worry about your family here in Guri," he said after pausing once more. I will personally see to it that they are well. I'll send out an oracle to calm their suffering and explain your departure. Would you like to say something final before you go?
I nodded and asked that a note be left for my loved ones. I apologized for leaving them so abruptly and thanked them for their love and support. I vowed to never forget them and conveyed my hope that I could one day find a way to connect with them once more.
My shoulders were relieved that my message had been captured.
I said, "I'm ready," in a firm voice.
Suddenly, a wave of drowsiness washed over me. I felt as though I was floating, weightless and untethered. My body burned with an intense pain, searing and all-encompassing. Then, everything went dark.
My fate seem to hung in a balance that was too hard for someone like me to conceive.