The stairs that wound forever upwards. Looking down I saw that I had not gone far enough. No where hear far enough.
I am ashamed.
I had failed the test that others had passed, my parents were ashamed of me.
And I walked upward.
It is dark here. I can barely see . It is as dark as all the corners of my heart, as dark as my shame. I remember my friends looking surprised, and sorry for me.
I don't need their pity.
I could never be what they are becoming, not anymore. they had passed while I had failed.
I rested, rubbing sweaty hands on my tunic. I was not wearing my crimson and gold attire. I could not put it on, not anymore.
I must go on, I must keep climbing these stairs in the thoughts of my misery. i have to go on before they realize what I am about to do.
And I went on.
Reaching the top, I put my hand on the door to open it.
There is a door that I can never go through.
I went through, taking one last look at the breathtaking view, then walked to the edge.
And for three blessed seconds I was free.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In case you haven't figured it out, this short story was based on the one-sentence reference to a page who had failed the big examenations and jumped off Balor's Needle (Protector of the Small).