Flotsam and Jetsam

[Skraal]

((Soren Rosendahl continued from That's So Ravine)

The sounds of the woods descended upon Soren as he lay on the forest floor, a slight breeze rustling the leaves around him. He had no idea how long he had been there in the darkness, or even what time it was. All he knew was that, despite the exhaustion that seemed to permeate every part of his body, he couldn’t sleep.

It wasn’t the hard ground that was keeping him awake, nor the pangs of hunger in his stomach. It was something far more subtle than that, though no less painful. It was an affliction not of the body, but of the mind; a pain that could easily be heard in the agonized whispers making their way out of his mouth.

“I’m sorry… I'm sorry…”

Could anyone hear him? More importantly, did it matter? At this point, if anyone happened upon him and decided to end his life while he lay helpless, it would be no more than he deserved. Perhaps it would even be a good thing, to have the torment of the past few days finally put to an end…

“No… no… no…”

He didn't want to think about that. He shouldn't. It wasn't right.

Soren's back arched as he kicked out at a nearby root, his heart pounding. The same old guilt and regrets that had been dogging him all day had hit in full force, crushing down on him as he desperately tried to get just a little rest. Unfortunately, his thrashing and muttering continued to intensify, denying him the sleep that he had sought after so badly.

This went on for what felt like hours. Every time it seemed as if he was about to finally drift off an escape from the swirling anxieties within his mind, another attack managed to break him out of it, forcing him into yet another fit. It was only shortly before daybreak that he was finally able to receive the oblivion that which he had craved so desperately since he first lay down and closed his eyes.

((Soren Rosendahl continued in There and Back Again))