“You’re not supposed to be here!” The angry voice bellowed across the field. Most surprising was that the owner of the voice was not human, nor did it originate from another world or in simple terms, an alien. For the voice belonged to that of a canine variety.
He was once a healthy dog that was neither sickly nor deformed. What should have been emitted- as one would naturally assume if encountering such an animal, was the sound of barking.
Yet the meet could not be possible for Charlie, the German Shepherd, and owner of the barking order, was euthanized nine years ago to avoid the lingering pain and suffering of the cancer spreading from his chest to the stomach. He had no more energy and appetite and, knowing his time had come to an end, he gave a simple look of all hope was lost and ready to accept his fate.
Thus, it left the one question that remained unanswered. “Where am I?” Mike asked himself and to his once loyal companion since he was literally understanding not only a dog but a deceased one.
His arrival seemed to come out of a coffee table photo book done by a professional with more experience than he was alive in his thirty-three years of existence. Each color so vivid, so surreal, it could not be simply passed by and needing more than a fleeting moment of observation. The entire landscape that surrounded him seemed untouched by the hand of man or for that matter, any other living organism. The sounds so clear and crisp that Mike, could hear every single soft crunch of the small stone pebbles as he trudged along the stone path without any idea of the destination and with only the need to follow. The leaves from the overhanging trees that surrounded him and lining the path were full, swaying gently in the gentle breeze as if teasing the ground with a sensual dance or inviting an insect to fly through without being touched. If there was an idyllic spring morning, Mike knew this was it.
He could now see the path he was standing on, led to a meadow and he decided to- no needed to, go there. He also noticed as he entered the meadow, he was now barefoot and could feel the luscious green grass and the dampness between his toes. The once shining sun was now partially blocked by an almost perfect oval shape of a cloud allowing an immense heavenly like single beam of sunlight that beckoned him ahead and to his left.
The resuming sound of barking dogs entrapped Mike’s attention. There were now six in total, three he recognized including Charlie, now barking like a normal dog, barking at the other dogs- all he also once owned and passing over the rainbow bridge. One was Misty, the Collie who wagged her tail at him but did not approach. And then there was the Border Collie, Sparks who followed Misty, but ahead of the three remaining dogs he did not know.
I must have interrupted some kind of meeting, Mike concluded to himself. For as soon as they saw him, Misty turned and ran off towards the same heavenly light with the others in tow being led by Sparks. All except Charlie, barking and yet somehow Mike still understanding, “You’re not supposed to be here!”
“Charlie!” Mike called. Yet the dog still ignored the command and so he moved to his haunches expecting the loyal dog to greet him with kisses and wags of the tail as he so often did when called. But much to his shock and dismay, Charlie still disobeyed and followed the others into the light. Mike issued another command before he could raise a foot and follow, “Charlie. Come.”
Again, the dog ignored him. “Why?” Mike demanded as if expecting an answer.
Too late as his best friend slowly became engulfed by the light and the dog was again gone from his life.
***
After what seemed an eternity, Mike’s eyes fluttered open. Instead of picturesque scenery, his vision was now full of a white ceiling, illuminated by the harsh rays of the mid-day sun peeking through the curtains to his right.
A dream. Nothing more than a dream, Mike’s shoulders slumped at the realization that his sub-conscious made it so real and yet so far way. The dogs were not just pets. Each was a loved one- a part of the family and like family, there were good days and bad days but more often, great days.
As Mike performed his routine of rubbing his eyes every time he awoke, his arm felt restricted. It was only then he recalled why and where he was. A quick glance around also confirmed his setting. There was the small television hanging on the wall. The cheap white paint that was standard in all the rooms. The standard art to make the room see more comfortable and warmer, Finally, the oversized combination television remote, speaker, bed adjuster and the button to call for help hanging over the cold stainless-steel bed railing just within reach of his left hand.
The quick glance confirmed he indeed was in the hospital as the result of a car accident, an accident he could only remember as clips of a slideshow. His arm was restricted not only by the blood pressure cuff but also, the intravenous tube connected to his right hand. Though it felt like an irritation, Mike could see another cause of the limitation were the wires attached to his chest to monitor his heart and in essence, alert medical staff to any potential problems.
What surprised him the most as he continued to scan his surroundings, was the elderly gentlemen sitting at the foot of the bed in an oversized leather chair. It was not the physical look that piqued Mike’s curiosity nor was that he had completely missed seeing the man despite looking around several times. It was the way the man was dressed, completely in white from head to toe as if though to match his snow white hair. Even his socks and Mike presumed his underwear as well, were the same pristine white color. If it was not for the off-white colored walls, the man would have completely blended in.
“Hello.” The man spoke in a raspy voice, while nodding and smiling. No surprise that his teeth also gleamed white. “Michael Johnathan DiMarco, I presume?”
Mike nodded and frowned with suspicion that not only did the man use his full birth and Christian name, but also did not refer to any documents. In fact, there were no papers of any sort for there was not even a clipboard at the foot of the bed.
“Born October 22, 1987,” The man continued, “In the year of our Lord?” He slowly rose and approached at a slow pace, placing his clasped hands behind his back as if to show he was not a threat in any way.
“That is correct.” Mike replied softly with a crisp tone for he was wary of the stranger.
“Welcome.”
“Where –-“, Mike stopped himself realizing the obvious answer. “What hospital am I in?”
The man seemed taken aback at the question and then frowned in confusion. “You do not remember?”
“I don’t.” But Mike decided to clarify. “Or only parts of it. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle of pictures.” After all, the man should already be well-versed on his medical condition and the reason. He decided to change the subject and forced a smile. “Are you here to offer me communion? Or even last rites?”
“Possibly.” The man replied tersely almost being nonchalant. “My sincerest of apologies on my rudeness. My name is Christopher and I am here to welcome you.”
“I know I was in a car accident…” Mike’s voice trailed off.
“A very tragic one.”
Mike’s eyes widened. “Someone died?”
Christopher’s voice softened. “Let’s just say gravely injured. But the easiest way to deal is to recall the events.”
Mike opened and closed his mouth several times unsure of what to say next or even if he was to speak at all. Christopher’s eyes bore through him as if reading his mind and soul.
“You can proceed.” Christopher used a tone that was both firm and yet, reassuring. “If you’re not sure, close your eyes, relax and simply describe what comes to the forefront of your mind.”
He obeyed and moments later, describing the pictures that came across as a slideshow. “It was just a normal day. I woke up and went to work.”
“Nothing special.” said Christopher with a slight sarcasm in his tone.
“Just another average day. Though, I did notice the dark clouds and thought it would snow.”
Christopher raised his eyebrows. “Hoped or prayed?”
“I think I thought, ‘hoped’ but really prayed since we’ve been in a drought for the last two years and it has also been an unusual mild winter. Spring does not feel like spring because of it.”
There was an approving nod. “Yes, we long for the days of old where the winters were dark and harsh.”
Mike reflected before continuing. “Later, some co-workers and I were discussing maybe getting some drinks after work but by the end of the day, we still weren’t sure where.”
“And so, you left work.” Christopher concluded.
“It wasn’t till…” Again, Mike’s voice trailed trying to recall something that he wasn’t quite sure if it was an actual event. A picture flashed in his mind and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
“You received a text.” concluded Christopher.
Mike was astonished at how he had seemingly seen the image Mike thought of but then he realized his face must have expressed the emotion.
“And so, you texted back.” Christopher’s tone immediately changed to that of anger. “You performed these actions while driving during rush hour.” He paused and let out a deep exhale. “As the snow began and thus making the roads…”
“Icy and making my drive dangerous…” Mike continued.
“And when you looked up, your car hit an ice patch, crossing into the other lane of on-coming traffic, heading straight for a mini-van.”
Tears streamed down Mike’s cheeks at the realization. “How many?”
Christopher avoided eye contact. “A family of two adults and three kids all heading to a family dinner.”
“God forgive me.” Mike cried to the heavens. “All my fault. My own selfish fault.”
“My son, pray for forgiveness.” said Christopher making the sign of the cross over him. Get some rest and we’ll talk further when you’re ready.”
Mike immediately closed his eyes, wiping the tears and reopened him. “Christopher, what will become of me?”
“It is in God’s hands now.” He replied almost in a somber tone. And with that, he exited almost floating out.
Mike closed and reclosed his eyes repeatedly trying not only to make sense of his new reality but also somehow, reset the past as if it was all just a bad dream. Despite the numerous times, his eyes became weary and quickly he fell into a deep slumber.
The exact same dream with his past dogs occurred again with the same vivid colors. He had the same feelings of bliss and serenity as he strolled down the stone path under the umbrella of shade created by the massive tress. Dogs barking again were heard and as he came upon his pets again with Charlie and Misty seemed this time a little more playful with their friends.
But this time, Misty did not scold him and instead, turned to him, wagged her tail, and barked happily before again running into the beautiful white light. Charlie also turned and wagged but for him, happiness meant the body wagged the tail before barking. Only in this instance, Mike could not understand what Charlie was barking or saying. And as before, Charlie joined the others, running off like Misty before him, and into the heavenly light.
And unlike before, Mike remained in place, observing his surroundings and soaking up every minute detail. The scene was the same, but the feelings were different. He wanted to act and not simply call out.
“The heck with it.” He spoke aloud to no one. “This is the perfect vacation to escape a cold winter. It’s where I want to be.”
And so, he turned, following Charlie into the white light. Soon his entire body was engulfed and yet, he was not blinded but soothed as a feeling of serenity came over him. His entire body relaxed and when the light dissipated, he felt refreshed like the perfect night’s sleep- alive and ready.
As his surroundings became more into focus, Mike realized his view had not changed. The dogs were gone. The sun felt warm upon his skin as the birds continued to sing and the trees swayed to their tune. The only noticeable difference stood in front of him, Christopher.
“Now am I dreaming about you? Or visiting you?” Mike smiled in jest.
Christopher acknowledged the tease by grinning.
“So where am I now?”
“Where you’ve always wanted to go. And where you needed to be.” He followed Mike’s line of sight ahead and behind him into the distance. “Every change of season brings a rejuvenation in its own unique way.”
“The Caribbean?” It was clear he felt no more pain or discomfort and was feeling back to his normal self of making jokes during serious conversations. Though this question was more of in hope than a sarcastic jab.
Christopher was stoic in his reply. “It can be your desire.”
“It can’t be heaven.” Mike concluded. “Can it?”
“Heaven is whatever the soul wants it to be.” explained Christopher. “To one, a beach. Another…” Christopher demonstrated their surroundings. “A favorite season.”
Mike froze. He once dreamed of a place like this where he looked at many pictures in awe and even tried to recreate this view with his camera wherever he travelled. But nothing even remotely came close to what he envisioned. “It can’t be. It just can’t be. You said… I know it was a tragic accident that included children.”
Christopher raised an eyebrow and Mike recalled that fateful night.
“You never said they…” Mike struggled to speak realizing the horror. “Died.”
“But you begged for forgiveness. This is your penance so another may be given a second chance. Nothing is set in stone so as to allow free will.” explained Christopher. “Now you are allowed one final decision.”
“My loved ones.” A heavy heart weighed him.
“Yes. There are also others that will be affected.”
“I’ve had my opportunity. If I continue, it would be another chance for myself, or another.” reasoned Mike.
“Then you already know they can be one in the same.”
Mike looked back to the white light. Even on the other side, the light was beautiful and tempting. A simple turn with two steps and he would be back to what would be the unknown future. He smiled. “A rebirth. Spring brings hope.”
Christopher simply nodded.
For a moment, Mike contemplated but then slowly nodded his head. With an arm now around Mike’s shoulder, Christopher escorted him away from the light but still down the cobbled stoned path.
“You have made the right decision.”
“If I decided to return, would it still have been the right decision?”
Christopher simply smiled and they continued to walk along the path with Mike still pondering his now unknown future as the birds chirped in perfect harmony. It was indeed the perfect spring day.