*a little free writing I did as a devotional
I stand at the crossroads, a coin clutched in my hand, a heart heavy with longing, and hopefully a future free of regret.
I blink once, twice, and there my old friend stands, smile bright, eyes dark.
I ask him how much it would cost and he glances up at the sky, pondering his careful words.
"Everything, i suppose, but once you've done it, and it's over, really, nothing in the end."
I study his face, free from imperfections, and I know he's being honest. Even if i don't understand yet, i get the feeling i will at the end.
I've known him so long, this man in the crossroads. For my entire life, actually, though he's known me for longer.
I stare into nothingness. Whether i'm seriously thinking of my options or simply stalling, he doesn't seem to mind either way, content to stare at the stars.
A moment passes, and i meet his gaze. We stay like that for a second, a comfortable, trusting silence. I open my mouth. I close it again. He doesnt rush me.
"Do you ever regret it?" I softly blurt out, my mouth once again working faster than my brain. I look surprised at myself, much more surprised than he does.
In fact, he softly laughs pleasantly in harmony with the wind. His voice drops to a soft tone, reserved for those special few, his loved ones.
And i believe him. Ive no reason not to. Often he's been the beacon of light and truth when otherwise i would've had none.
Another moment passes-- me, already knowing my choice, but unable to stop the thoughts from coming-- him, lost in the memory of the worst and best day, simultaneously, of his incredibly long life.
He's a very patient man, my friend of the crossroads. As if he has all the time in the world to wait for me to voice my decision, and maybe he does.
I barely breathe out my answer, voice lost to all but him, but with it, the weight of everything I've shouldered falls from me.