Pulling herself down into the deepest parts of the well was terrifying - yet, exhilarating. She knew that Defeat was in the darkness, teeth glowing within his sneer. She could feel his laughter as it sent a burning sensation through her veins. Is this the pain of death?
The child's recklessness caught Hope off guard. As the child broke free, her breath departed abruptly. Hope knew the child could not endure this battle alone. With a weakened lunge, she caught the child's tattered lace gown. Hope felt sadness overcome her, as she tightened her hold on the lace. Only time would tell the outcome.
As time slipped by, the darkness began to lighten. Morning had come. A lazy fog settled above, as the sun tried to fight its way through the mist. The Autumn leaves fell into the well, cascading so gently, as tears of nature felt the pain of this dangerous battle.
Defeat still grasped for the child's cherished tokens. He knew with the light that Hope would become stronger. Then Hope and the child would gain the advantage to retrieving these precious broken pieces of life. However, he may still reach those that had spilled into the abyss before the child took - her leap of faith.
Yes - He may - if the seconds left of ebony would allow him such a triumph. And, so it had, and he laughed.
The child screamed, 'NO - Please no'!
But, as reality set in, she knew that she would not recover all of her dreams and memories. The tokens which held the most pain had fallen much more quickly, due to the weight they carried of so many tears. She was too late. Her doubts had cost her sweet time needed to regain all.
Defeat held tight to her most hidden and sorrowful memories and dreams. The burdens of her heart bled in Defeat's hands. He reached for the child's face to bring her closer. He needed her to see what she had lost. To show her that this battle of The Well, had been won by Him.
The child found the strength to recoil from Defeat. She turned to look upon Hope, wondering, why she hadn't helped her more.
