Yes, being banished here is most definitely worse than death. Yet I can still think of 100 things worse.

The darkness and I have become akin. It was bound to happen at one point—perhaps I simply pushed it to happen sooner rather than later. Now there is a certain comfort I find here, hidden amongst the shadows.

But it was not always this way. The tree limbs once looked like monstrous arms, reaching down to pluck me up and tear me to pieces. The rustling of leaves once sounded like evil, whispering voices.

I used to cry myself to sleep, chest aching and body shivering. I used to hate this place, but now it is all I know.

I could describe it to you for hours. It is all I can describe. The single tree, with its black bark and dark leaves. Whenever I reach out to touch one, it crumbles in my hand, like it’s been lit aflame.

In fact, everything here seems to have caught on fire. Everything disintegrates beneath my fingertips. Perhaps it’s because this place is shrouded in darkness, but everything is colored pitch black.

Everything except for the yellow fruits, which hang from the branches of the tree. They glow with a golden halo, yet never seem to cast their light upon anything else.

I eat one each day because that’s all I require. If I eat anymore or any less, I have the inexplicable suspicion I will die.

I’m not sure what lies beyond the tree, and I've never felt the need to figure out. It’s another instinct—a little voice in my head—telling me not to leave this spot. It’s become my safe place, my haven.

I’ve rested my back upon this trunk ever since I arrived. I can hardly remember anything before. I don't even know how I’m still alive.

And now I realize, there was nothing to be scared of at all. It was just my mind, tricking me. Once I was able to realize there are much worse things than being stuck here, it was much easier to find the good in things.

Somehow, even in a place filled with nothing but darkness and shadows, I was able to see a light of hope.

Or maybe I’m going insane…and it was just a figment of my imagination.