A bolt of light temporarily blinds you as your cage doors swing open—the breeze of freedom envelops you, a familiar yet distant feeling. You notice a swirling circle on the horizon. The sight of it reminds you of your former self—before captivity—your life as a: Benevolent optimist Chaos ensues as the world around you begins to degrade. The ground shakes, the walls collapse; you even notice the clouds quietly escaping. Your tail twitches in search of balance amidst the anomaly, slowly evolving into a: Flaming staff The light from the portal glows brighter calling for you. You stare, tempted by the allure of what’s beyond, yet standing motionless from the fear of the unknown. In an attempt to subdue your fear, you utter these words under your breath: “Choice, not chance” Feeling empowered, you race towards the glowing portal. As you step inside, a kaleidoscope of lights shoot towards you, evoking a flurry of emotions that have been stifled for far too long. As you float weightlessly, you feel as if you are: Pulled by a soft current You feel a million tingles surging through your body as you exit the portal. It slowly dissipates, leaving you with a sense of genuine freedom while you catch your breath. You relish in your new surroundings, awed by the: Ethereal beauty