My hair stood on end as I stared into the abyss.

Its eyes were cold, black, dead coals

Resting on a pale, sick, bony face.

This creature of mysterious oblivion,

It glared upon my soul.

With its long, twisted fingers,

Its hand ran down my spine.

When it abruptly stopped at my ribs,

Its clammy clasp constricted around me,

Forcing my breath out of my body.

The tall, lanky figure inched closer to my face.

I could hear my quickening heart beat

As it closed its eyes and inhaled.

With its other hand,

It stroked my face,

Only to stop at the bow of my lip.

It whispered a word,

A single sentence,

But its lips had not even quivered.

Yet, I heard its raspy voice,

Clear as day.

Do not decide in haste,

Choose the right path and pace.

It sent a violent shiver throughout my body.

It grabbed my hand.

It dragged me to a foggy trail.

As the dark figment of my imagination withered away,

The thick, gray sheet of mist parted.

It displayed two, windy paths at the fork of the trail.

I understood now.

A single step would seal my fate.