They came, like I knew they would. They were everywhere and always and knew me well. As I gathered my friends with me, I wondered why they had created me to begin with. They must have known I would have wanted more. Perhaps, to let me choose.

A flash of panic struck me as I realized what I was going to face as punishment. No longer would I know their glory, their warmth. I would never again walk with my creator. Why did I do such a thing?

My brothers screamed as one when they came. I alone was still.

You know what you have done.

"Yes! I was a better you!" I cried, knowing it was too late to turn back.

You know what this means.

It had never happened before. Never had a single one of us been thrown out, been punished. Michael came and grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away, but his eyes held mine, "No." he said to me, quietly, calmly. Gabriel gathered my friends.

"Why are you punishing them?" I called as Michael dragged me from their presence, opening a door in the darkness to a deeper, complete emptiness.

They chose as you chose. Sadness and disappointment washed over me.