Freedom Without Freedom(rachel) I opened my eyes. It was all over. When I moved my body, I heard the chink of my chains falling to meet the cold stone of this dark valley. I realized that this was my valley. The dark valley of the shadow of death inside my own heart and soul. I looked up and saw the spirits that were flying freely overhead. I used to be one of them. They can't help me, let alone see me. If I scream my loudest, I doubt that they will come. They are so oblivious to my pain. Then I hear chains being dragged across the cold stones of my heart. I see a woman covered head to toe in chains, the shackles boring into her skin, cutting it deep. She came up to me, and smiled. Then she held out her hand and said in the most soothing voice,
“Will you allow me to help you?”

I reached up and took hold of her hand. Though it was soaked in blood, and covered in dirt, it was warm. My bonds broke.

“Because you have accepted me, you will always have my blessings."

Flashes of my past flickered in my mind. I remembered that all those spirits Were not truly free. Then I saw it. The threads that dragged great burdens. The only thing that was different for me is that I recognized my heavy luggage, and decided to do something about it. The woman grasped my arms.

“Are you ready to leave?” She asked me.

“Yes,” I responded, “but what about you?” She began to swing me around.

“This,” she yelled, ”is what I have chosen!” She then flung me into the pure sky.

“At least tell me your name!” I cried behind my back. I saw the valley starting to close, rocks tumbling down. The last thing I saw on the woman, was a smile.

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