X Marks the Spot

A cold, dark room. She’s alone, doesn't know where she is. Sitting on a chair at a table With a bucket in front of her. A bucket she used to play with in the sandbox As a little girl. She smiles. And a parchment rolled up next to it. A map. At the bottom corner A bold, red X. “X marks the spot.” She thinks and laughs At how childish she is. She notices a door up ahead. A feeling of hope. She grabs the map. As she takes a step forward, A gold dot appears at the ‘Start’ corner. She takes another step, another dot. The map must lead her out! She becomes excited and runs to the door. A few more gold dots appear. She opens the door. Blackness. She’s scared, but finds comfort in the map. She takes a step into the abyss. Another gold dot. She begins to run, swiftly. An agile girl sprinting through the darkness. She finally comes to a large gray door. A golden dot appears directly before the X. “Come on. Almost there.” Words of encouragement. With some difficulty, the door is opened. A strong beam of sunlight flashes upon her face. Joy, happiness, relief. She runs out into an open courtyard. Checks the map. No gold dot on the X. She’s confused. Suddenly, she sees it. The bucket she left behind. With a halo above it. She laughs to herself. “I must be dreaming.” The bucket is enticing, Beckoning her to come forward. She does, and steps onto the overturned bucket. She had never been more free. Wind blowing in her hair, Arms spread, legs apart. Queen of the world. She feels something tighten Around her neck. She can’t breathe. The wind suddenly turns harshly cold. The bucket is kicked from underneath her. The map is dropped onto the ground. And a gold dot appears on the X.