Vines grew over an unseen pathway, if it can be called a path Countless bundles strewn to either side defining the contour No curve to right or left, just a slight, gradual rise in altitude Looking on either side of the path I saw that it divided a major roadway, much as a jutting rock attempts to impede the flow of a river.

I thought it strange that this path was much less traveled than the super highway in that it was so plain to me and yet not to others wonder filled my thoughts as to why I was the only one taking this direction. Ahead, I could see a few people trudging along dropping their own bundles. A beauty about it that had drawn me in a strong fashion yet filled me with revulsion.

Something held me to the path, not knowing what I would find as the incline rose even higher and higher. Thick darkness threatened to send me toward the easy roads below me, to forget this path that called to me. The closer I drew, the more apprehensive I became until finally, I reached the summit. Thunder resounded and at a flash of lightening, I ran toward the center of the hill only to be stopped suddenly by a tree.

A small sapling, it seemed to be no more than a foot in diameter. The thunder sounded again, so loudly, I wrapped my arm around the tree for fear that I would surely die.

A soft rain began to fall, a very cold rain, yet warm upon my brow. I reached to feel the warmth and was shocked to see as best I could in the darkness, blood. Had I hurt myself somehow? Yet again the lightening flashed and I saw above me the form of a man nailed to the tree. Aghast, I looked all around me and the few people that were there were also covered in blood. Their path left the tree and led to a stand of crosses. I watched as each in turn picked up their respective crosses and walked toward the edge of the hill.

Looking up into the eyes of the Man on the tree, my heart told me that a choice must be made. To go back down the hill and take the easy road or leave this tree, covered in the blood of this Man, take my designated cross and move off with the others…

I awoke…