there’s nothing like watching a sunset with someone who’s special to you.

unfortunately, hollie was alone, so she was standing on the hill above the city, watching the sunset all by herself.

which was fine for her, because she had been alone all her life, even when she was around others.

as the last ray of sun peeled away, hollie looked at the city, and realized that it was much more beautiful from a distance. _as is everything_, she concluded.

there was nothing beautiful about the city when you were actually inside it. the streets were grimy, gross, and littered up. crime was raging; only the very center of the city had a few shiny glass buildings that were nice to look at.

hollie liked comparing things, so she was racking her brain for something to compare the city to. she _especially_ loved when she compared things to people, because that way she was able to get their character in a nutshell and decide if they were worth talking to or being friendly with.

sadly, hollie couldn’t find anyone to compare the city to. she turned away from the city, and walked slowly farther up the slope.

she was surprised to see a glowing red cylinder in the distance. _i thought it was just a myth_, she thought as she sped up, hoping that what she was seeing was real.

hollie remembered the legend that had been popular a couple years ago. the column of truth; consult it, and you will be told something that you need to hear.

she stood in front of the column, and her breath started to mist up in little clouds every time she exhaled. the air around this structure was… different.

she slowly stepped inside, and a hissing sound enveloped her as the door closed and locked with a smooth _click_.

and then a little, small voice whispered in the back of her head.

_live away from life, that’s yours. don’t forget the time you don’t have. comparison is the thief of joy._

_ _hollie opened her eyes, and she was watching the sunset… again. on the same day. she was watching the last ray of sun peeling away, and she realized that the city was much more beautiful from a distance.