The knifes edge gleams.
"Yes," they cry.
I see the blade as in a dream.
I see the land around the pit.
Desolate. Empty. Worthless.
These are the Lands of Life.
Nothing here. Joyless lands.
Nothing for me here.
I look into the Pit again.
The end of all my troubles.
The end of all my fears.
The knife drifts closer.
My heart pounds in anticipation.
Or is it fear?
I look one last time at the Lands of Life.
Figures in white appear.
I recognize them. They are my friends.
Their faces beseech me. Their voices call me.
My resolve slips.
The knife moves away.
I move to my friends and they embrace me.
The have pulled me from the edge of the Pit.
The knife returns to the drawer.
All is well.