The Day I Lost the World

The Day I Lost the World

I, Amenis, was once a brave gladiator. Fearless and bold, I never doubted my actions. When I went into combat, I thought of nothing other than defeating my opponents.

I did not question their motives nor waste time with remorse. It was merely a game to me.

I was focused only on winning.

The night before a challenge, I usually took a libation of crushed and heated cocoa, blended with the white sap of the dairy herd. After this I slept heavily and woke refreshed in my chamber of cotton and down.

After dining on a morning feast of flattened oats and the syrup of the hive, I stood ready to wait at the Gate of Life, donning my many weapons and armaments, gifts from the gods of Digimus.

After the frantic pompa, my crowd was ready and I reveled in their anticipation. Now I waited to face my opponent; friend or foe, simpleton or savage, I would fight.

On that morning, I found my position, placing my hands on my weapons and steeling myself for battle. Uproarious cheers thundered around the arena. They were bringing in my opponent.

The crowds hushed to a whisper. Time slowed down. Gasps and mutterings swept like ebbing waves.

The Emperor in his royal box shifted with rare unease.

“Ave imperato morituri te salutant!”

I was met with the familiar eyes of the only reputable gladiatrix I knew of: you, my sister.

I would not let this rattle my nerves. I was Amenis the undefeated gladiator, and so I should remain.

I raised my dagger and flailed it high into the putrid air. “Let the sand stain red from the defeat of my sibling, for I will show no mercy!”

Sweat trickled down my face as I switched weapons and maximized my attack. You were a worthy opponent, fast and slender. I could not lose concentration, for my reputation was at stake.

You soon began to weaken. One final blow and you hit the ground, the dust settling on your bloodied wounds. You heaved one final breath and the light of life left your eyes. The audience roared and once again I was victorious.

“No fair!” You were so angry. “You’ve had way more practise on this stupid game than I have… and you NEVER let me win!”

I laughed at you.

You threw the headset and controller at me and stomped out of the room, whining. If I had said I was sorry, you would have played it again, and I probably would have let you win, but I wanted the game to myself for a while.

You stomped around in the hallway. You slammed the door. I turned up the volume to watch the action replay of my victory.

I will never forget that screech. I thought it was part of the game at first, until I glanced out of the window…I ran outside as fast as I could, but it was too late. There you were in the road, as motionless as your avatar still lying dead on that screen.

I’m telling you all this as I sit by your graveside holding white carnations and remembering our final day together. If only it had played out differently.

If I had let you win. If I had called you back to play your favorite game instead. If I had just said sorry…

It was at that moment that I realized the true power of words.

I, Amenis, was once a brave gladiator, and I killed my sister.