I lived to tell...

Question

Start with "I lived to tell..."

Include "But I can't..."

End with "Now that the damage is done"

Comments

EXCELLENT challenge !

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Ditto.  I'll add soon now that the bar has been raised.

Answer 1

   I lived to tell my story to the ones who thought I was joking. I am here now. But it's not over until I am done with the people who hurt me...

   The living room was nearly empty. A few boxes were left in the corner. The hardwood floor was covered in a thin layer of dust from the move. I remember what it used to look like. A red couch against the window. A black table holding a small TV.  I remember it, and it was beautiful. I should go now. The damage is done. Well... There was a picture. There was picture of his family hanging in the hallway. They didn't take it down? I was brought back for a reason. I know - but maybe my reason was... Those stupid thoughts. I walked to the hallway silently. Why? I don't know. They were gone and he was dead. I took the picture of the nail. Break it! But I can't! Do it! I smashed te picture to the gorund. Shattered glass lay on the family. I must go now...

   ...Now that the damage is done...

Answer 2

I lived.  To tell you what happened, as you demand, how can words speak it ? .  .  We passed into the mirrorland of the Martian matrix,  all hundred and forty of us,  and alone on the other side I walked out,  I alone lived through it,  the madness, the terror, the self-mutilation.  But I can't  tell you how we were changed, how I was changed,  for it is unspeakable, how our consciousness was shattered into shards and facets, into pieces of selves, and how one by one the softer shards of ourselves began to die, and darker parts of ourselves held on, as  reflection doubled unto reflection, distortion unto distortion, until finally only the monstrous fragments remained, and those monsters began to eat each other, to stare at each other and eat, like toads swallowing toads, until finally I,  I alone, walked out on the other side.  And you, who sent me there, you would have me explain, have me speak of it, now that I am .  .  changed.  But I have other uses for this easy place.  Other uses in mind .  .  for you.  You see,  I can smile .  .  now that the damage is done.