DEVIL DENIED THE DOOR

The box lies before you, edges worn, sides heaving, taking deep, shuddering breaths as you run a finger along the cold metal adorning its edge.
You feel it, don't you? You know what you must do.
DON'T OPEN THE BOX
But you're going to. You want to open the box.
You need to open the box.
You must open the box.
BANISH IT, BEAR NOT THE BURDEN
The silver begins to warm as you rest your hand against the lid. Pet. Palm pressed.
Tingling textures twirling together. Somewhere, soothing sounds of the sea. Pet. Palm pressed.
Hitched breath. You? Box? Both.
LEAVE THE LATCH
Stop. Breathe. Pet. Palm pressed. Soothing strokes send subtle signs.
Pet. Palm pressed. Stroke. Soothe. Stroke. Pet. Palm. Pet. Stroke. Soothe. Sigh.
Breathe. Pet. Palm pressed. Welcome its warmth. The box believes. You believe.
Breathe, you believe.
You believe.
You believe.
Loose the latch.
FOLLY FERMENTS THE FALL
Pet. Palm pressed. Latch in hand, swirling smiling silver.
Pulling, it pops free, strikingly silent.
Loose the latch, lift the lid.
LIFTING LEAVES YOU LISTLESS
Breathe. Hold.
Harbor hesitation? Pet. Palm pressed.
Soothing. Singing. Silver.
Sigh.
Lift the lid.
What is a box but a shallow door?
A DOOR FOR DEMONS
A door for dears.
Have no fear.
Loose the latch, lift the lid. Loose the latch, lift the lid.
Lift the lid. Lift the lid. Lift the lid.
Limbs lightly lift. The lid levitates, looming. Lean, lend, listen.

LINGER NO LONGER.

Listen. Lean. Pet, palm pressed.

WILT, WRETCHED WARMTH. WINCE, WEAK WISP.

Silver spoils, blackened branches buckle.
The lid lands, lifeless.
DEVIL DENIED THE DOOR