The Survivor

        Reeling and wheezing, he was flung back to the floor yet another time. He’d now lost count of how many times it was now. He was beaten, battered and bruised by an assailant whose animosity had neither end nor meaning. He shakily tried to get back up. He focused on the freedom and peace and satisfaction that lay beyond his foe. The promise of the everlasting, bountiful, and ultimately rewarding life and land. That was his hook. It always seemed right there, at a fist’s grasp. He could see it. Himself, living under the light of the warm sun, by the comforting sea, in a cool breeze. I shall have it! I should be able to make it! It’s right there, he told himself.

        Using every ounce of strength he could muster, he stood up once more. I’m coming at you, you son of a bitch. I’ll go through you this time! Slowly he built his pace, putting each foot in front of the other with great effort.

        His assailant leered at him. He could neither see his assailant nor make contact with him. If it was even really a ‘him’. It felt like an ‘it’. It was more like he could just ‘perceive’ that abstract entity, acknowledge it as a presence he had to overcome to reach his goal. But never see properly. Every time he reached the entrance to the world of his dreams, it seems like he was kicked back to the beginning and the door pulled further away, all at the same time. But, there was something about this ‘thing’ that drove him to want to defeat it. It kept edging him on, as if to make sure he kept trying. But it pulled no punches; that was for sure. Gritting his teeth, he took another step.

        His entire person was sore and tired, screaming at him with every step he took. He wanted to just lie down. It felt like he couldn’t go on anymore. Like he’d done enough and that it was fine if he’d give up. He’d broken into a run now and was sure he’d make it to the exit now. Yes! I did- before he could even finish the thought, he felt the hit connect. It was worse than the previous ones. It always was. He was sent flying to the back of the room and made contact with the hard wall, further worsening his impact’s damage. Here, again? Damn it! Damn it all! How many times do you have to humble me before you’re satisfied? Why are you doing this? He already knew the answer. His foe never answered. That is what annoyed him the most. Say something! Give me a reason why you’re doing this to me! No answer, as always. You bastard, I’ll tear through you and get out, just you wait till I get up.

        This entire ordeal was tiring, in spite of what he kept telling himself. Why? Why me? What did I do to deserve this? How much longer? I can’t take it anymore! Yeah, I got this far, right? I mean, that’s got to count for something! Those thoughts were always at his psyche’s forefront, giving him a strange sense of comfort. He questioned those thoughts one more time. Yeah, I guess it’s not so bad, after all. This place. I can at least get a view of the world of my choosing from here, right? That’s more than what I can say for most people! He sat down, heaving a sigh of relief.

        The world looked beautiful beyond the exit, shimmering bright and gold, full of all the joys and laughter he’d ever need. It looked so fulfilling, so inviting. NO! He screamed at himself. If I try to get out, I’ll be hurt by it again! No more! His breathing got heavier that very moment. His eyes got wistful. Why? Why must I settle here? Why am I not able to take those last few steps out the door? Just because something’s blocking me? No! Not anymore. I’ll get out. I have to get out. I want to seize that world out there and make it mine! Yes. I will. I will! He laughed out loud maniacally, the cackle of his once tired and sore throat now ringing against the walls. Stop me now, you bastard! Come at me!

        He ran out from the corner he’d unwittingly been cowering in, freed like an arrow towards bull’s-eye. His assailant, as usual got in the way but this time it wasn’t able to kick him back. He jabbed his shoulder into it, throwing him aside. The impact stole his momentum and he fell forward. But even then, he didn’t stop running. Stumbling and almost tumbling, he kept putting foot in front of foot. He was hurting more than ever before but he could tell he was almost there. Don’t give up now! He told himself. Don’t be your own foe now, you’ve fought so hard till now, a few more steps and you’re free of Ed! Yes, that was his name, Ed. Ed Varsity. Peculiar name, he remembered thinking to himself the first time he learnt it.

        As he fell out of the confines of that bleak and dreary room, representative of naught but struggle and hardship into a new world, ‘Thank you, Ed’ he said to his assailant as if out of some primal instinct that he couldn’t fully explain. This new world was one alien to him, yet so familiar. It was the place he’d always wanted to reach! He thanked his past himself for not giving up. For holding onto hope. For powering through the pain, the helplessness, the anger, the fear and the tears. He told himself it was a good experience, one that made him stronger.

        What are the chances it’ll happen once again? Different problem for a different day, I guess. Right now, I’m just glad I held out and made it through. Good thing faith, hope and persistence come to my aid whenever I call out to them, eh?