Prospering

“Are you okay?” a voice called from afar.

It could have been a hundred miles away for all she cared. The sounds around her appeared distorted and she felt her vision slip in and out of focus as darkness remained dominant.

It wasn’t like any of the videogames she had played while growing up. There was no code presenting her with a shortcut or allowing her to gain eternal life. She couldn’t reach a safe point and expect to be revived if she failed. Starting over was never an option, perhaps that’s how she ended up there in the first place.

To people passing by she appeared fragile, positioning her shaking body while staring into space. The cold crept closer by the minute, and she had to fight to stay warm.

“Remember who you are” she mumbled, more to herself than anybody else.

She could feel their eyes on her. They existed in the shadows, lurking like predators feeding on failure and humanity. She had no intention of becoming their next meal, the next scandal for them to revel in.

Resolution to cast of her fears blended with the courage to face her demons. The sudden shine of the electrical lights blinded her and she had to take a step backward before moving forward.

Sometimes a small set-back is required to achieve great progress; that has always been the truth about any kind of performance.

Word count: 235