The Darkest Light

The room was cold. But she did not feel it. Although her body shivered, it looked as if it was not her who was experiencing it.

The room was dark and depressing. But she did not panic. Her eyes were hollow and empty.

Throughout the whole night, she sat in the same position while sleeping.

At dawn, when the first beam of light entered the room throught a small opening, her eyes opened sharply.

In that small room sat a young woman dressed in plain clothes greedily absorbing the sunlight.

Her body did not exclude the youthful vitality that young women have. The heroic beauty on her face had already aged a lot.

While sitting there as she had done for the past five years, she recalled the date today. If it was not for the markings on the wall, she would have never remembered it.

Even so there was still not even a tinge of joy on her face.

At afternoon, the door to the small room opened slightly, bringing in lots of light inside.

She could see the outside world from where she was sitting but there was no desire in her eyes. Only a hint of unease.

The food brought had never tasted good to her. Nor did it do today. All she thought about was of the next day. She would be released from here.

The first year she was locked in here, she was still naive with the thoughts of escaping by herself. That year, she was filled with countless thoughts of hope. It was the only reason that made her survive.

The second year she was locked in here, she knew that she could not escape by herself. She was hoping for someone to save her. Like a teenager, she had foolishly thought that a prince charming would come and rescue her. She had even pledged that she would marry no one but him when she would be saved.

The third year she was locked in here, she was full of hatred. She had vowed to take her vengeance. At that time, she had only one thought in her mind. Ten years is not too late for a gentleman's revenge.

The fourth year she was locked in here, she was panicked. It was unknown to her when she would see the world again. That feeling was unpleasant and brought turbulent emotions in her.

The fifth year she was locked in here, she had accepted everything. She did not wish to to take revenge. She did not wish for anyone to come and save her. She did not wish to go out. She just wished to continue living in this small dark room.

For four years, she had been here. Every corner of the room was familiar to her. When she saw the darkness, she was desperate for the light. But what was to fear now? Darkness now was just like a light to her.

Everything except this room had now become unfamiliar to her. The world that she had wanted to go back in was now strange to her. It made her fear.

She did not want to go out. She wanted to continue living as she had for the past five years.

Because,

Why give her hope?