I once had the strangest dream.

I had been sent to another dimension.

Beautiful in every definition.

Perfect beaches and lush forests.

The ideal paradise that anyone would love to visit.

But that beauty quickly lost luster for it was not what it seemed at first.

***

It was actually a punishment.

Devoid of other human life and touch.

Not a single whisper of another soul no matter how far I searched.

If I looked hard enough I found remnants of humanity.

Overgrown ruins and cars crumpled like a discarded piece of paper.

Only mocking reminders that had somehow also fallen in over time.

***

I did not age either.

Moving endlessly over an untold amount of time.

Chasing the silent hope of an exit.

Searching until I forgot the reason why I was stuck there in the first place.

Despair so deep I could not acknowledge it.

For I had no purpose except one that I hope existed.

***

This dream is one reason why I believe hell does not have to be a pit of fire.

It could be a paradise or anything in between.

A true hell does not need a setting but instead a place where all support has been removed.

Nobody there for us or place to call home.

Purpose peeled away like dead skin pulled too far from a nail.

For we fall apart on our own.

***

I hope I never end up in a similar position.

Doing something to end up in such a hopeless situation.

Looking for an exit that might or might not exist.

So where I am, I treasure it all.

Every small victory and moment at peace.

Keep your paradise to yourself for I value the home instead.