The Struggle

I stepped out into the cold, bleak corridor. As I took the first steps of
my journey I couldn't help but think of the warmth and security I was
leaving behind. The moments of bliss and love I would have to do without
for such a long time tugged at my heart with all their might, so that I might
give up my mission and return to my love. There was no hope for that,
though. The mission placed upon me was one of supreme importance. I had
in my possession the seven keys of access to the great box. The box that
contained hope and joy for my love, for she was desperately ill. My journey
was to be a drudging trek through desolate terrain and adverse weather; all
for the sake of my love.

The dirty, dimly lit corridor leading from my housing establishment to
the outside world served as a harbinger for the conditions to come. The
lighting, color, and filth of the hall suggested an atmosphere of utter gloom.
The blank, dull walls and the litter scattered about the floor were small
concerns compared to the obstacles that would come my way. For I had
reached the door to the outside world.

As I opened the door, I wondered what it would be like out there. I
had been there many times before, but it was unpredictable what the
conditions would be at any given time. The vast, flat horizon was serene for
the moment. A storm was approaching from the east, bringing ominous
clouds and sharp lightning. My journey had to be completed quickly, I
remember thinking. I started my hike across the huge expanse of hardened
dirt, hoping I could beat the storm.

The storm came upon me like bees on a hive. The swirling winds
threw dust into my eyes and made it difficult to walk. The rain came down
at a rapid pace, soaking me to the bone and making visibility nearly zero.
But all the while I kept my eyes on the prize so far across the expanse. I
continued, and the rain eventually stopped. By this time I was soaked to the
bone and felt as if all my energy had been drained out of me. Still I moved
on in hopes of attaining the prize for my love.

As I neared the great box, I began to notice how beautiful, ornate, and
exquisite it was. The brilliant shades of red and white stood out through the
after storm haze. The great box had an indescribable aura about it. It seemed
as though it had stolen all the beauty and brightness from the now desolate
surrounding world. Nevertheless, its beauty was no precursor to the power
contained inside it.

Step by step I grew closer to the great box. I reached the steps leading
up to it. Each step seemed as if it were a great hurdle to overcome. Finally,
I reached the top. There it was, glimmering in the faint sunlight, somehow
making the atmosphere less gloomy. As I approached it, I could almost hear
it asking me about my long, treacherous journey.

I stepped to the front of the box, gazing into it through its transparent
wall. Inside was the object of my love's desire. I took out the seven keys to
place into the slot. One... Two... Three... Four... Five...
Six.., I dropped them into the slot. I reached into my pocket for the
seventh. It was not there. What was I to do without the seventh key of
access? Had I crossed all that rugged terrain only to find that I left the most
important key in my residence? Indeed I had.

"What will my love do whenever I return without her Snickers bar?" I
wondered as I walked back across the placid parking lot to my apartment
through the hot, humid air.