Retribution

Darkness Fumbling, he dropped the keys as he tried to open the door to his apartment. Sweat dripped in slow beads off his face, making it difficult to see. His shirt was soaked from the sweat, but he didn’t care, couldn’t care. Pain from his midsection wracked his body, making him shake as he bent over to pick up the keys. Not for the first time that night, he felt bile in his throat and he fought the urge to throw up. Holding his left hand over his mouth, he managed to get the key in the lock, turn it and push open the door with such force that it swung back on itself, hitting him as he stumbled inside. He pushed at it as he dropped the keys and took several faulty steps. His legs refused to work; his muscles were weak and uncooperative. Breathing was difficult now and he couldn’t keep the vomit inside any longer. Lurching forward, he fell onto the bed and let go, not hearing the door as it clicked shut behind him. He emptied the contents of his stomach, and still he retched. He closed his eyes and prayed for it to stop, and still it continued. Darkness surrounded him, threatening to engulf him. He gagged, struggling to breathe. He gasped for breath, gagging on his vomit. Panic set in, consuming him, but he was too feeble to fight it. Survival instinct kicked in as he grappled with life in a losing battle. After what seemed like an eternity, he gave up and submerged himself in the darkness, taking his last ragged breaths.