Abyss

In my reality nobody is supposed to be outspoken, emotional, or expressive of their individuality. Why? Because there’s a part of our population that is different. We feel deeper and stronger and urge to show that we are unique. It’s not easy to hide because we have one thing in common: our purple eyes. With our varying shades and hues, we are called the Austere. Many of us wear contact lenses, but that doesn’t always stop us from being recognized. I was found out and now is my time to pay the price.

I look down at the cavern gaping open below my feet. The walls are a combination of dusty brown rock and rusted metal. It’s black and endless inside. My nerves are surprisingly calm, the beat of my heart flowing steadily in my veins. I take a step forward, nearing closer to the edge of the cavern, and some rubble stumbles off the side. After a few bounces off the cavern wall I can’t see the pebbles anymore. They’ve disappeared into the deep expanse.

Shuffling feet are behind me, giddy with excitement. The bodies are packed shoulder to shoulder to see the outcast, truly outcast. They are all waiting for me to be pushed over the edge, and then to be forgotten. Being shunned for being different wasn't enough. They've marked me with the symbol of exile by forcing me to wear a pure black cloak, and now I have to take the final step.

I look over my shoulder and everyone’s eyes refuse to meet mine, except one. Piercing purple eyes, as bright as amethyst, hidden under brown contact lenses. She looks at me with a blank stare, but I know what’s hidden behind that emotionless face. A well of intensity I can feel, pushed down and concealed from every other person surrounding her.

I failed to hide my forbidden feelings like she could, and now it’s time let it free. My gaze returns to my bare feet and the open space in front of me. I close my own violet purple eyes, take a breathe, and step off the rim of life.

As the ground below disappears I let my breathe escape me, accepting the abyss to swallow me. But I don’t feel or hear wind rushing past my ears. Instead I hear murmurs, voices starting to scream, and shuffling feet once again.

When I open my eyes I’m looking at her, and her eyes are wide open. I look down and the cavern is wholly beneath me, empty. I’m not at the bottom of the cavern like I should be. I’m floating above it, all the weight gone. I was suppressed for too long, forced to be someone I’m not, and now I’m empty. My fate was not to die in the abyss, because I am the abyss.