The path ahead was paved in hard cement, flanked by rows of manicured hedges towering above me — hedges that were really fences, shielding my eyes from whatever lay beyond. There were no curves on this road, no forks, no choices. Only forward.

There was just one rule: never stop. If you did, you'd be cast out and thrown beyond the hedges. And to venture beyond the hedges was considered a death sentence. It’s been rumored that no one gets out alive. 

I was told that if I walked far enough down this path, I would arrive at something greater, something sacred. The so-called promised land. But the farther I walked, the thicker the hedges grew, until they blocked out the sky entirely. In total darkness, I continued forward. 

Day and night vanished. Only darkness remained. Time lost meaning, and after what felt like years of blind marching, thoughts of escape invaded my mind. I tried to ignore them. But the more I resisted, the louder they became. Still, I was too cowardly to stop.

Then one day, the silence broke. I heard rustling in the hedges. Until then, it had only been my own footsteps. I was meant to walk this road alone.

But the sounds grew louder. Branches snapping, pinecones crushed underfoot, breath, whispers.

“The promised land is a lie. This road never ends.”

“You’re not real,” I muttered, breaking into a run.

But the voice followed, gaining ground. In panic, I threw myself into the hedges. Leaves tore at my skin and branches clawed at my clothes. I pushed forward, desperate. There was no going back.

Then —light.

It broke through the thicket, and suddenly, the sky opened above me. I had crossed to the other side.

And it wasn’t what I’d feared. The world beyond was strange, imperfect, and alive. I was met by familiar strangers. I wasn’t alone anymore. For the first time, I could rest.

Endless paths stretched before me, unfenced and untamed. There were curves, detours, and quiet overlooks. I was in no rush. I could explore, wander, change direction. I had finally arrived, not at a promised land, but at a place of possibility.