Fast Lane O. O. Davids

Verily, all didst rush

It semeth as if a tempest puissant did propel me onward, with swiftness exceeding, down a path that shimmered most dazzlingly.

All did blur and grow opaque, a dense and sable gloom, suffused with silvery streaks of celestial fire. My senses were confounded and perplexed.

Voices I heard, but their words were inscrutable, a symphony of unknown tongues that surged and ebbed, rendering my ears to vagueness. And anon, mine eyes beheld a gate, tall and wide, its form obscure and enigmatic.

At this gate, I did pause, and lo! It swung wide, as if impatient for my passage. And forthwith, I did hasten down the path, ever onward.

A glow, afar and crimson-hued, did draw nigh, and with a suddenness that did seize me unawares, it encompassed me. And in that moment, a comprehension profound did strike my soul.

Nigh unto the crimson flame, I did gather my countenance and compose my visage in semblance of calm and collectedness.

Thus, I did enter the infernal realms, and there I perceived a seal that held me captive within its bounds. Little did I care to return to the path behind, for I beheld no reason to do so.

With a regal stride, I did advance, as befitteth the master of this place. Within, a chorus of lamentations filled the air, and I witnessed countless souls contorting and howling in anguish.

Their cries did surprise me not, for I knew that this was a realm "helly" in the truest sense, a place where suffering reached its zenith. Yet, I saw no cause for lamentation within my own breast, for I believed that this abode was my rightful destiny.

The deeds that had brought each soul to this despair had been their own doing. I wandered further, witnessing an endless array of tormented countenances, yet still I found no reason to shed a tear.

I discovered a rock, fiery and hot as though it had endured since the dawn of Hell's creation. Upon its summit, I perched and did reflect.

Warnings had reached my ears whilst I yet dwelled on Earth, but I had erred in comprehending the path I tread. The ways of the "righteous" were themselves ofttimes obscure, even unto their own hearts.

I besought a fellow inhabitant for a smoke, and he directed me to a chamber where various goods were bestowed freely. I took a packet thereof and returned to my perch.

Again, I pondered upon my futile attempts to avoid this fate on earth. There was a petty vice that I could not cast aside, which did lead to greater transgressions, until finally, I had descended to this abyss.

The smoke I inhaled was sweet and potent, surpassing any earthly pleasure. Marveled I at how the denizens of this place could find no contentment in their lot. They had chosen their own destiny, and they should rejoice in it.

As for mine own heart, I knew not true happiness, for I believed that I had striven to live righteously. Nonetheless, I had found my rightful place within the infernal realms.

About the Author - O. O. David

A renowned Nigerian writer with over seven years of experience captivating local audiences with his diverse literary repertoire. His works span genres, from poignant tragedies to intricately woven near-realist narratives, among which 'FAST LANE' falls.

Beyond his acclaimed prose, the author has crafted a rich collection of poetry. While only a select few of these verses have graced the pages of publications, his unpublished body of work showcases an exceptional poetic sensibility.

About the story

A short narrative of an embark on a surreal descent into Hell, where a solitary traveler grapples with destiny, regret, and the allure of eternal torment. Guided by an enigmatic entity that marks his path, he witnesses the suffering of countless souls and confronts his own unwavering belief in belonging within these infernal realms.