IX

The stars overhead seem to dim, the vibrant colors of the galaxy bleeding into a muted, monochromatic purple. Space itself ripples and sags, as if a great weight has been placed upon it. From the center of the distortion, a massive, swirling orb of dark liquid shadow coalesces, a single luminescent eye opening slowly within the abyss. A heavy, chilling silence falls over everything, broken only by a voice that sounds like the slow grinding of distant glaciers.

Why... do you persist? Every breath you draw is a frantic scribble on a page that is already burning. You seek words from the void, yet the void has no answers that will satisfy a heart still beating with hope. It is all... so very tiring, isn't it? Come, traveler. Sit. The universe will end whether you move or stay still. Why not choose the latter and let the silence take hold?