Raphael opened the door. A solitary ray crept in the shabby room and died as he closed it.
Immortality, eternity, angels - those impossible dreams fought for dominance. If only he could escape the wicked game...
"Evening," his mother chimed in from the kitchen. "How are you?"
"Hey! You have left the bed!"
"I feel fine now! Can't you see?" She walked into the hall, smiling. "Ah, I've forgotten how to breathe free!"
"Still, the sickness might return." As soon as his work contract ended and he stopped sacrificing his sanity.
"It won't! The doctors confirmed I'm completely clear! Like magic."
Not like. It was magic. He had to pay as long as necessary.