I don’t know what came upon me, instincts, curiosity, stupidity, ignorance, or just a lack of judgment. When I saw this path, I couldn’t resist. My life has been empty, and everyday has felt ordinary, plain, and boring. I suppose that if I just followed this path, my life would change, and would lead to either joy or misery, and the worst case scenario, a dead end. I never was so good at pursuing my dreams, and for so long I’ve been lost, with no real path set before me. Every path in my mind that I’ve taken has only led me to abandon it. So I set foot upon the misty path, a physical path, not in my mind, one that felt like a journey, one where I may find hope or damnation.

The winter season has formed an icy concrete, but the sun broke through enough times for me to safely walk on it. It only seemed right for me to do that and not on the grass where it’s tall and wet. It was late Monday afternoon. Fog surrounded the plains and there seemed to be no signs of livestock, which was very strange, given the fact that it’s a countryside. The fog wasn’t too thick and was just visible enough for me to see many structures, and forest areas.

I walked for what only felt like minutes. My sense of time was still intact, and as I was thinking that this whole experience is futile, the fog suddenly got more thicker within seconds. How can that be? It’s impossible for fog to be quick and what felt to be alive? My heart raced, and I had the strongest urgency to turn back, but the path behind was obscured too. Would running the other way really be a good idea? Clearly something is stalking me, it’s too supernatural and abnormal for such phenomenon. What kind of fool was I to risk my life like this? Questions and regrets filled my head as I sat motionless, I couldn’t just run out into the open field, I’d get lost, or punished more likely. So instead I ran forward, never looking back, but I had forgotten that the ice was still present along the path, and with a quick step on an icy patch, I slipped down falling backwards onto my back on the concrete. It hurt and stunned me for a couple minutes, but the adrenaline had compelled me to shake it off and keep moving forward.

After a while I stopped, realizing that nothing had been chasing me, and the path seemed endless. I felt trapped, but then a figure appeared, it approached slowly, inching through the fog from the path ahead of me. I wanted to run, but curiosity had convinced me to look and see what it was. A horse, a white stallion, as white as the snow. Was it a spirit, some sort of apparition? I didn’t know what to think until it spoke: “you are a wise being.” Ok, this has to be a dream, or maybe I’m just going insane. What other explanation could there be for me to come upon a talking horse. Whatever it is, I think it’s better to just roll with it at this point. “I…don’t understand, what are you, why is this happening to me?”, I said. “Do not be afraid, you are safe, but do not look back, and do not cross the fields. Then again, you knew that didn’t you?”, the horse said, as it began walking closer. I trembled, not knowing if his seemingly friendly demeanor could be trusted. I felt like I was doomed anyway, so I knew I didn’t have a choice. I spoke, “why does it matter anymore? All I see is you and a path ahead of me that doesn’t feel so reassuring. How do I know it’s not a dead end or something? I’m tired of leading myself to nothing.” I said out loud.

All the hope I had left was what carried me to this point, but now I’m more lost than I ever was before. How could I possibly know I’m safe if I didn’t know what truly surrounded me. The horse stopped just feet in front of me. “Every path has a dead end, just like this one, but you have always found a new one to travel upon, just like this one. That’s the journey my friend; searching for a new path that will lead to fortune, no matter what dangers surround you. Tell me, was it better to walk this new path than to be lost in the open field or turning back never knowing what was waiting for you at the end?” Here I thought I wasn’t going to find an answer, but what is said was most certainly going to lead me to one. Even so, I was still lost along this path, and if I’m going to have any sort of relief, then I would need assistance finding my way. With a part of my will restored, I ask, “let me have the chance to search for a new path then, please help me reach this dead end.” The horse obliged, kneeling down, it allowed me to climb on. It then stood up on all fours, and turned forwards, gazing through the unknown. “Close your eyes now, rest easy, and I’ll take it from here” the horse said softly.

I took one last look around, it wasn’t very memorable. After all, it was a familiar feeling. I would rather be on the path I was already on. Though I wondered, what was this path that I found, and why was the horse so keen on helping me move forward? Am I not the only who’s been here? That’s a likely theory. The horse began to trot, then canter, then gallop, and my eyes were shut, knowing it would all be over. Suddenly, a flash of light, and I awoke. I was in bed, processing what had happened. I’m in my room, and it was morning. I guess it was a dream. I looked at my phone to check the time, but it was still Monday. I don’t think I want to know anymore.