Perfection

Once there was a creature who sought perfection. To the ends of the planet it drove itself, ever seeking the elusive ideal.

Night would bring sleep only after many tears, and the creature grew accustomed to pain, sometimes purposefully afflicting it.

In a wooded temple only could this creature find a semblance of peace. Alas, the pain became too great. On a hill above the temple the creature ended it's existence.

Perfection shifted on it's good leg, pulling it's bandaged arm closer. "I was here all along," it murmured softly. "If only you could have seen me for what I truly am."