Yes, I decided to stay. I have come into the winter of my life and feel cold and lifeless; abandoned by the vision once glimpsed, never forgotten, that I know burns brightly on the other side of that door.
This place in which I now find myself is a familiar one, for I have been here many times before. This will be the last. I am less afraid of truth than of pretense.
I walk confidently to the door, the door that has for so long sheltered me from that truth. Taking the knob firmly in hand I twist and pull it toward me.
It does not open. I try again, this time more determined, but it yields not a hair in either direction. "...when the door closes it will disappear except for the outline in your mind. You will be locked in this place forever unless you can solve the riddle."
Yes, I remember, but I can't solve it this way. I need to get my books, some paper and pencils, my favorite thinking chair next to the window. Please let me out for just an hour or two so I can gather what I need. I promise I will come back.
Again I take the knob in hand and slowly, apprehensively, pull it toward me. No! I can't believe it. It was true, the door is sealed. I am trapped here forever!
With fists clenched in panic, I pound on the door, crying out for someone to hear and set me free. The only sound returned is the echoing of my shouts, my sobbing, and the pound, pound, pounding on that door.
My hands grow red and swollen. Exhausted, I turn, press my back against the smooth surface, and slide into a heap on the floor. The riddle! I need to solve the riddle, then I will have the key to unlock this passage.
Is there anyone here who can help me? Please, I beg you, help me.