Glancing in the mirror he collapsed in horror, unable to recognise the image staring back at him, ‘who are you!? A demon come to take my soul?’
‘Far from it. I am your pain and have been with you since the very beginning. Think back to your darkest days, like this one, to your reminiscences and images from then, and you will see me. It is I that have carried you through those periods of despondency as I am doing now and will do forever more, whenever I am needed. Now give me your hand.’
The man reached slowly up and grasped it.