The tree.

What had I done? I had betrayed my master. Sent him to die at those who despised him. Those who despised us.
For thirty silver pieces.

The noose.

Thirty pieces of silver for a kiss. Seemed like an easy deal.
But the guilt that now lay upon my shoulders was beyond compare with any cross.
Oh, the cross.
They have found a way to murder him.

“This is you!” I scream to the Heavens. “Oh, God. You have murdered me!”

I ran to the tree.

“Let this death lay upon your shoulders so that you can make your point!”

I climb the gnarled and bitter bark.

“I don’t care anymore,” I sobbed.

I pull the noose over my head and tighten until the rough rope strokes my skin.

Let this be the last testament of Judas, His most loyal apostle. Satan has claimed me as his own and now I am committed to the flames.

And so this is the end.

I lower myself until I am swinging by my hands from the twisted, leafless branch of my deathbed. I feel my fingers’ grip slipping.

Then I let go.