Story: I see two paths in this tunnel. One leads to stagnation, emitting a mundane, yet beautiful black light. The other leads to eternity, an ominous and mesmerising red glow flashing from the inside. I ask the one above. 'What is the difference between the tunnels?' The voice answers. 'I would like your answer first.' I reply. 'Stagnation leads to a mundane existence- one where nothing changes. Though I do not have to fear for the rest of my journey if I take the path, and be able to enjoy the beauties of the tunnel- I will become hollow, null. Nothing... But an eternal void.' The voice laughed faintly. 'How about the other path?' Once again, I reply. 'Eternity leads to the same result. Though I will have all the time in the world to experience the greatness of the tunnel, without any thought or hesitation, all experiences eventually become identical. I will become a bottomless pit, the same unfillable void.' The voice spoke once more. 'You have figured it out.' I nodded. 'there is no difference. The only thing separating the paths is the journey itself, yet the ending- the final result- is the same.' The voice laughed. 'Well then, what will you do?' I looked around. There was a third tunnel I hadn't noticed yet. Or perhaps, it had just appeared? But it didn't really matter. I walked towards the new tunnel. It emitted a strange, blinding light of indiscernible color. As I reached out my hand, it fluctuated and swirled. This time, I did not know what lies beyond the tunnel. I only knew the ending, just like the other two- was the same. And yet, something about it, though I was uncertain, was freeing. Something about the unknown, the chaos- was simply beautiful. There was something so peaceful about the path despite it all. I laughed. 'How absurd.' I thought. 'the ending's the same anyways, and yet-' It was the only choice I wanted. Maybe even the only choice I could take. I turned to the voice, and answered at last. 'This is my decision.' The voice, just like always, laughed. 'Well then, good luck. I wish you a great journey. Farewell.' As it spoke, it faded away into the air. I turned back to the tunnel. 'You too.' And so, with a sense of finality, I took the path. End. Inspired by The stranger or L'etranger by Albert Camus, and Limbus Company's Canto 10: the gaze bearing.
Orginal post date: 29th Sep (planning to repost when I add art, also might change the name)
