The Exit
by Marion Titus
A woman approaches a golden door with golden angels parked on its upper left and right corners; however the massive, closed lock located on the door's center drew the woman's attention. As she stumbles closer, along the cloudy white floor, she views a man lounging at a pure white altar. Delicately creaking open a tome, the man notices the woman encroaching. Turning his head up, he begins speaking using his strong, persuasive voice, "You have done a lot of good. Your good takes up about a line of text."

Smirking bashfully, the woman lets her imagination run. She envisions herself gliding across the floor, to the gate. From there, she opens the doors and passes through to the sounds of pure happiness. "Thank you," she mumbles respectfully and blushes.

Grinning, the man rambles on, "You have given your time to help others, you tried to aid your peers at school and later work, you rearranged your life for others, but most importantly you lived life for God and sinned very little." After bragging, the man pauses for a moment to collect his strength. He then confesses, "That's why the door down is sealed. You may listen to what you have escaped."

Fumbling to the red, orange and black door, the woman smiles graciously. As she presses her ear against the door, moans, screams, and yells of pain fill her ears along with scents of blood, torture, and punishment filling her nose. As a shiver crawls up her spine, her face contorts in fear. Barely pulling herself away, the woman returns to where the man slouches. Noticing her return, he frowns. "Now the bad news�" As the experienced, apathetic man spoke, the woman's smile vanished. "Something was disturbing. You could easily express your opinion when it agreed with the majority. However, when you were in the minority, your silence about was near absolute, even though you knew you were right. Along with others, you looked up for someone to blame when angry. You cannot have things both ways. You cannot claim that you believe only in the happy hour. So for this, you cannot be let past the gates."

Kneeling down, the woman cries, wondering her fate. She knew every word rang true. Noticing a small piece of paper, she jumps to her feet. Keeping her eyes on the paper, which she deemed her last hope, she pleas, "What is that paper?"

"With this you shall find your destination," he explains, grinning at her. Assuming her destination, he continues, "Hold it up to the light and pray. From there, you shall find your way. Start at the door." As the door appears, he hands her the map.

"Thank you," the woman murmurs before trudging to the light gray door.

Before seeing the next person, he closes with, "Your welcome Marion."

The woman pulls the door back and enters. Darkness, Darkness, nothing but darkness. All of a sudden, a small light flicker illuminates the darkness. Dropping to her knees, she begins to pray. The map starts drawing on itself. A maze of sorts appears in front of her and on the map. On the map's top part, the text read "You have the choice." The bottom reveals a truth; "It's up to you." Taking the map, the woman opens the clear door in front of her.

The maze calls her inner being, testing her in every way possible. At one time, she was walking on the beige ceiling looking at the beige floor and walls that stretch, along with her ideals. Arriving towards the end, her path and destination became clear. I start, I see, I end.
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