REACH for the STARS, by joy (DISCLAIMER: Just to be sure, some darker themes, don't read if you are too young to understand depression.) The cold wind streaks past my face in the middle of the desert. The last streaks of light fade into a dark haze, my shoulders quiver, and my teeth chatter. I look up at the stars, the moon guiding my path as I run. The land is barren, and an open sea of sand. There is no sound among the sand sea except my footsteps stirring the grains of sand below my feet. I heard another set of footsteps behind me and I gasp. I sprint, the footsteps behind me quickening, matching my pace. I dare not look behind me, but in the light of the moon being able to see a dark figure following me. A wall of sand forms around me. My eyes widen and my heart races. I begin to cry, pleading mercy. I scream for help. Idiot, I am in the middle of a barren desert, no one will ever hear me. The dark figure releases the sand wall around me and confronts me. “You should not have run,” they say, “it only makes it worse for you.” “Get away from me,” I shriek, trying to crawl away, but getting pushed back by a wave of sand. “I will not,” they reply. “Please,” I beg, “I can’t do this any longer.” Tears stream down my face and off of my chin. “Then don’t,” they say in a coaxing, honey-combed voice, “you’re only going to hurt yourself more.” I shake uncontrollably and cry harder. “No,” I whisper, “please don’t.” The figure laughs mockingly. My voice breaks out into a shout, “Why do you do this to me?” “It is my purpose,” they answer. “What is my purpose,” I ask, “I am stuck in this circle of sorrow, and I can’t get out.” “You have none then,” “That isn’t true,” I say, “I have a purpose.” “That is for you to decide.” Sand began rising up around me again, and my heart wrenches with a sense of hopelessness. I reach up towards the stars, my last hope, the only ones who had not abandoned me. My surroundings turn dark. The sound around me is muffled. I close my eyes, but feel sand running down over me. It stops, and I look up. Only the stars are there. They smile down at me. I see them twinkling, and they seem to understand me. “Maybe,” I say, as I continue to walk in the middle of the desert, “there is a God.”
O T H E R N O T E S : - Word Count: 412 - Theme: Reach for the Stars - Writing Software: Google Docs - Tori's Writing Contest - Music: "Superposition (Reflection)" by youngthegiant Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snBOMFCM8YM Author's Notes: Although I did not go with the original meaning for, "Reach for the Stars," I wanted for my protagonist to reach for the stars, imploringly, like it is her last hope. I really hope you enjoyed it. I wanted to share the message symbolically about depression, and how many depressed people may feel, alone, deserted, and trapped, perhaps constantly chased by feelings, which they cannot escape. ALWAYS be attentive to the mental health of others and yourself! <3 About the Author: I am a Christian teen, who loves to write short stories and am currently working on a novel. She is a piano player, jazz, ballet, tap, and modern dancer. She loves playing football with her guy friends and would love to meet you! Contact me at my profile if you have questions or would like to collab!
