In the Labyrinth

First there is only the blackness. Silent, absolute black.

Then a glimmer, a flash of light. A faint rumbling sound. The taste of licorice.

Licorice? A strange word, you think to yourself. Yet familiar. You suddenly realize that you are thinking. That there is a you.

The flash of light repeats, becomes an oscillation. You think to yourself, I can open my eyes. I have eyes.

Then: fear. What will you see when you open your eyes? Is it better to keep them closed?

And then deeper fear, a cold that suddenly grips you, as you think to yourself: who am I?

You open your eyes.