Little Inklings 2023

30 Lights flicker. The walls that surround you are illuminated by every white flash of light emanating from the end of the tunnel. There is a rhythm to the bolts of light, almost pulsing like a heartbeat. Thump thump, thump thump. Curiosity sparks. Lost and desperate to be found, you think to yourself, “How have I come to this place?” The questions shimmer in your mind, narrowing your focus as the light continues to throb: “What is the source of this light? Is this the exit to this tunnel with chalk-white walls?” After hours of walking forward, you notice the light appears to be coming closer. But every time it seems just within reach, you realize that the light is moving farther away despite you getting closer. It’s nearly in your grasp until it isn’t. The solution is clear—you start sprinting. Faster and faster, you feel your lungs getting heavy, and your legs about to explode. You realize that this is your only escape. Running forward is the only way to embrace the light. Drops of water fall. The cracks in the ceiling let the water inside. It must be raining, you think. But at the end of the tunnel, the light is still bright. You think you might hear birds chirping as they fly freely. You start to think about their freedom and lightness as you are out of breath. You wonder, “Is the light that seems so bright truly there?” You can’t quite recall how you entered the tunnel, but you start remembering your dreadful past—the sadness, the difficulty, the despair. Now, though, you are fueled by optimism and moving towards a better future. As your pace quickens, the beat of your heart synchronizes with the flickering of the light. But soon, you become tired. Your arms droop, your head hangs low, and your legs feel like they are swarmed by bees. Still, you know that you cannot return to where you started. You refuse to lose everything you have worked so hard to achieve. So, with one last push, you fling yourself through the light. SMACK. You feel your face sink deep into a thick pool of mud. But this is no luxury mud bath. This is nature. As you wipe your face, you begin to see the beautiful environment around you. You’re out of the tunnel, but now the light blinds you more than ever before. Your retinas are frying pans. You sense the warmth on your skin and look up to see rays of sunshine floating through the air. The earth calms you, wraps you in a bright blanket, and resets your mind. Relieved to be liberated from the tunnel, you smile and say out loud, “It is wonderful to be free.” TUNNEL VISION By: Elliot Slusky ’27