Tales of Tenth Grade

The truth crushed him. Every second was a hundred years. Memories flashed before his eyes. First sight, marriage, birth. First words, first steps, the bond between father and son that was seemingly unbreakable. But no more. His knees buckled beneath him. He fell to the ground with a shriek unlike any other ever heard to man. His mind raced -- why had He done what He did? He wasn't thinking about others, He wasn't thinking about the outcome of his actions. He was thinking about himself. Why? Why, He thinks, didn't He look ahead and see the terrible truth that He would have to live with -- and there He goes again, all about himself. He can't stop. He is gripping his head with his hands bawling like a child. He is a King no more. He sits in his cell, awaiting his punishment, and contemplates what happened. He was uncoiled from his ball of despair and lifted up by the arms. Guards took him into the dungeon and chained him to the ground for "unethical behavior". ...

His footsteps echoed through the courtyard. The clanking of chainmail swallowed the hushed whispers of the crowd. All eyes were focused on Creon. He was marched down the polished marble steps, soldiers lined on either side. As the precession turned, Creon could finally face his fate. The group paused before slowly making their way down the dingy hall. "Hands at his sides, head held high, back straight;" the only thoughts which flooded Creon's mind. He knew he should have let Antigone live, however her demise left him with guilt panging through his body. One step at a time, one breath at a time, one second at a time he moved forth. His destination loomed ahead; wood, rope, and steel. Creon mindlessly marched on, he knew his only job was to keep his dignity, his pride, his power. Creon approached the guillotine, his heart rate rising. The declaration of exacution began, though Creon paid no attention. His focus remained on the area where his body would lay. At last, he w...