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Prologue



The beating of his heart vibrates wildly throughout his entire being. Oxygen refuses to enter his lungs. Each muscle in his body gives in slowly, forcing him to the ground onto a patch of sleek, wet grass. A cramp seizes his left calf, then his right thigh, causing an explosion of unbearable pain. He knows he should keep walking forward. Nausea twists his stomach into knots while dizziness grips his mind with unforgiving tenacity. His vision seems blurred, out of focus. Sweat streams down his cheeks, mixing with tears. It does not seem real, as if his body belongs to another person.

He gazes up at the grey skyline, unable to think straight. He cannot grasp the feeling and does not understand the sensation coursing through his body and blood. His abdominal muscles suddenly lock viciously. He immediately stretches his arms over his head to bring urgent relief. He takes a very deep breath, attempting to calm down.

A few seconds later, his children are rushing to his side.

Lying there, paralyzed, he remembers reading about this experience. The article was titled “When the End Arrives.” Still, it has not prepared him in the least. Words could never have prepared him for this moment.

He has learned many important things on this journey. Faith, courage, and determination all come to mind. Above all, however, belief tops the list. A belief he never imagined possible.

He asks for some water. Sipping gingerly, he wills his body to stand. Something in him has changed on this day, which he barely survived. Despite his physical agony and mental fatigue, he has just achieved a goal he considered unattainable. He now knows, without a sliver of doubt, that he will have the confidence to tackle any challenge life throws at him.