ODYSSEY

Running through the woods with blisters on my feet, can’t keep up with the pace at which I flee. I heard the voices grow louder as I ran deeper into the woods. Fear was my only companion.

The speed at which I am running increased. This time I move at the speed of light.

As the trees seemed to close in around me, their branches tangling together like skeletal fingers, I stumbled upon a clearing and saw the one thing that made my blood run colder than the fear that had driven me there: my own name, carved into the trunk of a tree, in letters that seemed to bleed in the fading light.

Lost in thought as to whether to go left or right I heard a screeching cry not far from me. I started running once again with no particular destination in mind: I only knew I was moving forward, the cry seemed to become louder and louder and the sweat pouring down my body was as cold as ice…

“This is the end.” I whispered to the breeze. Even my heart agreed as it slowly reduced its beat.

I close my eyes allowing the world to suck me in, slowly I lose my senses. I could only hear the sounds of the cool breeze gently taking me to forever land.

With the Cyclops at my back and the great storm turbulences in the sea ahead. The mind whispers and the ears echoes.

Stay consistent for there are greater things ahead. The act of war defines a man (woman) who’s embedded with courage. A coward flees from war. In Trojan, my statue will be uplifted and praises of my commitment to this war inscribed in it.

So this thought that re-echoed catapulted the urge in me and reminds me of my roots, my home Ithaca filled with suitors and potential throne seekers. Strength pumped into my veins. I felt the surge of energy across my body.

“I can do it.” I whispered slowly and continuously, each time a pitch higher till it became a chant. My weakened feet received strength and stood above the odds. My fainted mind recovered. I am who I think I am. I am stronger than all adversities.

Just as I was about to face my destiny with courage and determination, I heard a loud, booming voice behind me…

“UM, EXCUSE ME, ELENI? I THINK YOU DROPPED YOUR SWORD BACK THERE.”

I turned around, and there was a goofy-looking satyr holding up my sword and grinning at me. I face-palmed. “Seriously? After all that drama?”

The satyr chuckled. “Hey, someone’s got to keep things real around here!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess you’re right. Thanks for the reality check!”

And with that, I put my sword back in its sheath and hang it across my shoulder, and we both walked off into the sunset, ready for the next adventure. Surely, this journey has just begun.

OW WRITER’S COLLABORATIVE EXERCISE.

28th November, 2024.