I sat there, in my dark little room lit by fading candles. It was getting darker out. I could barely see the book, yet the sacrificial instructions remained as clear as ever. Give yourself, to grant one of the dead a new beginning. It was a simple idea. But I was always confused. Who should I bring back? When should I do it? I simply shook my head, and returned the book to my inside pocket. I had always heard that a book placed over the heart can save a life, in certain events were met.
........I left the small room, descended the stairs, and exited, only to be greeted with rain. I pulled my hood up, and began a little walk around the carnival. I lost track of time very quickly. By the time that I returned, it appeared as if the sun had never been, leaving us in darkness. I began ascending, and fumbled with my keys for a while before entering my room once more.
The candles were all out. Save for one. And it was moving, which unnerved me quite a bit.
"You."
"What?"
"I've chosen you."
"Oh. Can't we...Negotiate? Or something?"
"No. Goodbye."
I stumbled backwards out of the room, quickly. The candle followed me. I reached the banister which had protected me from a clumsy but fatal stumble many times. But all that was on my mind now was getting as far away as possible. I awkwardly moved towards the stair case, and slipped on a puddle.
........I looked upwards, while recovering from my slip. I had managed to grab the railing, and was standing up, as the candle moved closer. And then it stopped a streak of silver was seen, as I realized there was a gun, which was rather uncomfortably close. The fact that it was aimed at me and not by me was also disconcerting. Then, one bang later and a jolt in my chest, I knew I was dead.
........Miraculously, the book had actually stopped the bullet. I could feel the grin creeping up on my face. I knew that this was an obvious second chance by fate. But then I realized I was still falling. I twisted in the air, and saw the next few steps creeping up quickly. The grin faded. And was replaced by a scream and the flailing of my arms as I tried to save myself. My neck bent horribly as I landed, and with one crack, it was over. I was saved, but my life was taken away, as per deal.
