“The key could not be used…” I whispered sadly.
My gaze fell to the floor, but the eyes of all who had faith in me bore into my soul.
All hope was gone now. Something that I had once thought to hold significant opportunities was nothing more than a piece of brass. I felt the coolness of the metal in the palm of my hand as I let the inevitable tears slide down my face.
They thought I could save them, save us, but really, I couldn’t even take care of myself. Perhaps I was just like the golden key—-intricate and beautiful on the outside, but worthless when used to unlock and open doors.

When one of them had asked me what the key was to, I had said, “It’s the key to the heart of the world, and everyone in it.”