Jade was exhausted, his body felt pain on all sides, all he wanted was for everything to end.

Just then, in an instant, he got a 'light bulb' moment — a strong impression dropped in his mind and he whispered it out, under his breath.…

“If all fear had roots in the mind, then the real battle happens in the mind.”

His mother's voice seeped into his consciousness as if she was right there with him.

"Sugar plum, I want you to know that you are a rare gem, so rare and special that no local or modern store has seen. Always believe in yourself darling. You are resilient! You carry much more value than you can ever imagine." She planted a kiss on his forehead. 

That happened fourteen years ago when he was ten years old. The memory still brought tears to his eyes.

“Oh, now he's crying. So pathetic.”

"No! You're the one who's pathetic!" He stood to his feet.

“I've given you room in my mind too long, now it's time to pack up and leave!”

“Are you outta your mind?”

“You got that right, beast!! I really am outta my mind.”

The beast lifted him by his neck and he struggled to breathe, legs kicking in the air.

"Show me what you've got Jade." It had a teasing grin on.

Jade managed to gather his thoughts and focus his mind, despite the pain he felt. He thought to himself, 

"This fear is real only in my mind and I have to let it go to overcome this. So dad, I forgive you for being a jerk. I forgive you for leaving us when we needed you the most, for leaving us no good role model and for planting this fear of failure in me." 

It was hard, but when he did truly let go, he felt relief wash over him and a long lost peace envelope him.

The beast groaned loudly, holding its head, gradually loosing its grip on its victim. Jade felt better and his voice could come out, though quite raspy. He spoke out to the hearing of the beast.

"I choose to live in fear no longer, rather I choose rest and peace, and my past or pain cannot define me anymore. Though I might lose this job, it's not the end of me. No! It isn't!" He felt elated already.

"I take steps in the direction I know I should go, even if I feel insufficient. I understand that life is full of ups and downs, but this is what makes my experience full and rewarding. So, I'll no more let the waves of life overwhelm me, because with each passing day, I'm getting better and stronger!" Jade screamed out his resolve.

He felt lit up, on fire with so much courage than he had felt in a long time — fear completely dissipated.

**********

The beast let go of Jade's neck, and crumpled up on the floor. 

"Noooooooo!!!! I'm not letting you go that easy!" The beast tried to sound in charge, but its defeat was heard in its shaky voice.

It began to plead, “You can't do this to me. We've been buddy's for a long time now! Pleasssssee......Noooooooo!!”

Its voice trailed off, strength gradually dissipating. In no time, what was once an intimidating frame towering high over Jade, was reduced to  puffs of smoke and had vanished.

Jade lay on the floor for a while, pondering on what had just happened. Everything still seemed just like a daytime dream.

"How come nobody heard the ruckus coming from this office?" He wondered.

“Jade.... Jade!”

"Was that Olivia? At last someone's here." 

He stood up slowly and walked to the door, he heard his name again and was sure it was Olivia.

"I'm here Olive." 

He reached for the knob and turned it, opening the door. He was almost blinded by the brightness of light that flooded his eyes.

To be Continued….

Written by Asher Esther Orohuchari