“One must die…Choose!” The six voices thundered.
Covering her face with her hands, she wept, not wanting to choose.
“Choose!!”
“No!!! I will not choose for anyone to die!” She shrieked.
“Then we will choose for you!” They boomed in unison.
“No!!” Lily screamed as they pointed at Gabe, his image disintegrating before her eyes.
~
Sweat ran down Lily’s forehead as she sat straight up in the hotel bed. Hyperventilating, she took several deep breaths to calm herself. Never before had she experienced a reoccurring nightmare. This didn’t feel like a dream, though, the sensation was so real.
If only I knew what it meant.
Shaking, she got up from the bed to get a drink of water. Splashing cold water on her face, she looked at herself in the mirror. Dark circles had settled under her tired green eyes.
“Ugh, how romantic.” She said aloud to her reflection.
That's when she realized Gabe wasn’t in the room. Climbing back into bed, she turned on the television. Her stomach still felt queasy from the long trip on the plane.
Flipping through the channels, she sighed as she wondered where he had gone.
~
Gabe wandered through the lobby carrying several packages and a large bouquet of white lilies. Grinning as he pictured Lily’s face when he gave her the flowers, he strode onto the elevator and pushed the button for their floor.
Entering the room, he was happy to see Lily awake, though she didn’t look refreshed.
“Hey baby, you feeling okay?”
Smiling weakly, Lily replied, “Yah, just had a bad dream.”
“Awww, come here.” He said as he picked her up, put her in his lap and rocked her. Stroking her hair, he noticed it was damp from sweat. Feeling her head, it seemed warmer than normal.
“I think you have a little bit of a fever.” His brow furrowed.
“I just feel a little yucky, I don’t think flying agrees with me.” She said, leaning her head on his chest.
“Oh, my poor girl. Can I get you anything?” He asked as he laid her down and covered her with a blanket.
“Maybe some water, please.”
Eagerly, Gabe rushed to the bathroom to retrieve her water.
“Did you want me to run and get you some aspirin or anything?” He inquired as he returned with her water.
“No, I’ll be okay, just come cuddle me for a while.” She said, arms outstretched, damp hair plastered to her forehead.
Grinning, he quickly got into bed with her and held her while they watched a film on the hotel television. Since neither of them spoke Dutch, they laughed as they made up fake lines for the foreign actors.
After the movie, they decided to get some much needed sleep. Holding Lily tight against his chest, he hummed a lullaby as he stroked her hair. Smiling as she was swept away into sleep’s twilight tides, Lily drifted into a peaceful, and dreamless, slumber.
~
Apprehensive as she passed through security, Lily wasn’t excited about the next stint of their journey. Pushing her anxiety aside, she entered the body of the plane, determined not to let her worries deter her from having fun.
“How are you doing, sweetie?” Gabe asked, concerned as they did up their seat belts.
“I'm okay.” she lied.
“I bought you something last night when I was out.”
Eyes brightening, she held her hands out excitedly.
Rummaging through his carry-on bag, he produced some anti-nauseate medication, gum and a couple of crossword puzzle books.
“Goody!” Lily exclaimed, hugging him.
The trip to Athens sailed by as they laughed and told jokes, getting the occasional annoyed glance from nearby passengers. Giggling, they hushed each other from time to time.
When the captain announced their descent into Athens, Lily squealed and flung her arms in the air, nearly knocking her neighbour's drink out of his hand. She ignored his glares as she leaned over him to look out the window.
The Mediterranean sun was emerging over the crest of the sapphire ocean. A coral glow bathed the rocky terrain of the coast while a hint of mist lingered above the city.
Lily’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at the ancient city. A lump formed in her throat as she thought of the rich history that enveloped this land. Gods and Goddesses were born here, immortality dwelt within the marble statues dedicated to them.
Departing the plane, Lily was surprised by the humid air. She could almost feel her hair shrink four inches.
Hailing a cab, Gabe showed Lily many highlights along the route to their hotel. Though the streets were narrow and crowded, everyone was exceptionally friendly. Many would wave at the cab as it drove past.
Reaching the hotel and retrieving their bags from the trunk, Lily found herself speechless as she examined the tall white pillars guarding the front of the building. A marble staircase, streaked with grey veins, led into a large entryway. Cathedral ceilings loomed above them, gold accents strewn into every corner. Several large statues with golden wreaths upon their heads, greeted them as they approached the front desk.
As Gabe checked them in, Lily drank in her environment. Nothing even compared to this back home, the passion in the artwork and the dedication to every detail. She'd found Heaven on Earth, only it was more beautiful than she'd imagined.
~
Guiding his speechless love onto the elevator, Gabe felt his heart swell with pride. Greece was his birthplace, his home and Lily, his heart. To have the two things he loved most in world, together, was beyond happiness for him.
“What do you think?” Gabe inquired as they entered their lavish hotel suite. Lily’s eyes widened and she gasped when she saw the room.
An enormous fireplace stood statuesque along one wall, its ivory mantel adorned with carvings of mermaids and waves. Sheer white fabric draped itself seductively over the top of the four poster bed.
An arched doorway led to a luxurious bathroom complete with raised tub. Marble angels stared down from each corner of the washroom, keeping a loving eye on their guests.
Lily’s eyes overflowed with tears as she jumped into Gabe’s arms.
“Oh thank you,” she said, “it’s so beautiful.”
“Anything for you.” Gabe said as he tilted her chin up and kissed her softly.
After cleaning up, Gabe took Lily to a local restaurant he’d frequented when he was young. He made her try a variety of authentic Greek food she’d never had before. She loved the Gyros, a type of meat donair, but turned her nose up at the Kalamari.
Wandering the streets of Athens, Gabe showed her museums full of ancient artifacts.
In the centre of the city was a busy marketplace, Lily felt awkward as many friendly Grecian vendors tried to sell her their items. Since she didn’t speak a word of Greek, Gabe politely declined for her.
Hailing a cab, Gabe instructed the driver, in Greek, to their destination. When she asked where they were going, Gabe only put his finger to his lips and whispered, “Trust me.”
The cab drove a ways before turning off the road. Lily was excited to see what secret location Gabe had in store for her. As they pulled up to the site, Lily thought it looked like a bunch of broken rock and fallen buildings. They had to walk a while before Lily could see the remnants of a large, fractured building eroded by the sands of time.
“This is the sacred temple built for the goddess Athena.” He explained as they walked around the building.
“It’s beautiful!” Lily said, in awe, as the setting sun washed the walls of the ruins with a copper hue.
“The mythological tale of how Goddess Athena became the patron of our city was always my favourite bedtime story.” Gabe began, “It is said that Athena and Poseidon had a contest, and the winner would be the guardian of the city. Using his brute strength, Poseidon thrust his mighty trident into a rock, breaking it apart, forcing a spring of water to emerge from the broken
ground.”
Lily listened intently to Gabe’s story, admiring his handsome face as he spoke.
“Athena, however,” He continued, “touched the ground gently with her spear, summoning an olive tree to grow. She was chosen as the victor and hailed as protector of the city.”
As Gabe led her to the other side of the ancient building, he explained the importance of the olive tree to his culture, how it represented wisdom and everlasting peace.
“Legend says,” Gabe told her, “that every invader to Greece cut the olive tree down, but a sprig always replanted itself and grew again.”
Gabe, holding Lily’s hand, led her to the legendary olive tree. Its branches spread wide as the silvery leaves shimmered against the setting sun.
Placing her hand on the trunk of the tree, Lily closed her eyes and absorbed the life force the ancient tree emitted. She wondered what amazing things this tree would say if it were able to whisper its past.
Coming up behind her, Gabe wrapped his arm around her waist. They quietly paid their respects to the Goddess Athena, who obviously still guarded this beautiful landscape.
Turning Lily gently to face him, he pressed his body against hers as he kissed her on the lips. Leaning back onto the olive tree, she felt the strength of the tree behind her and the love in front of her.
“Lily.” Gabe said quietly, his face serious.
“Yes?”
“Remember the other night, in Brussels, when you were asleep?”
“Yes.” She replied, reluctantly recalling the nightmare.
“I…went out for a bit.” He swallowed nervously. “Well…I got you something.” He said taking a deep breath and reaching into his jacket pocket.
Lily’s head spun as she saw a small black box sitting in his hands. Before she knew what was happening, Gabe was already down on one knee, holding the box open before her.
Biting his trembling lip, he asked, “Lily, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
Standing under branches of the sacred tree, Lily had to lean back onto the trunk of the tree for support. Beyond words, tears of joy rolled down her face as she nodded enthusiastically to Gabe.
Placing the diamond solitaire on her finger, he stood up and hugged her passionately. Lifting her off the ground, he spun her around as the eternal tree of wisdom smiled upon them.
A Life in Review
David’s new body felt amazing. The energy and the weightlessness made him feel as though he’d been reborn.
Looking into the tunnel of light, he thought about Ellen, Tiffany and the world he was leaving behind.
“David? Are you ready?” Zophial asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be...” He said with a smile.
Turning to follow Zophial, he strode into the light. Drifting effortlessly through the tunnel, his new body pulsated, a soothing, yet exhilarating sensation.
Though it felt instinctual to walk, he found he didn’t have to. Energy levitated him, pulling him through. Ahead, he saw the top of the tunnel take form. At the threshold, Zophial ushered David through. Crossing over, David’s being radiated with a resonance—he had come home.
On the other side of the tunnel, several beings welcomed him. Though they had the outline of a human body, they consisted completely of light.
“Go with them David, they will take you from here.” Zophial told him telepathically.
“Thank you.” He replied, watching her disappear into the tunnel.
Observing his surroundings, David could not distinguish any solid features. There didn’t appear to be any walls, ceiling or floor. He was elevated in a hazy mist that suspended him. Though his feet felt firmly planted, there was no solid surface to be seen.
Feeling at ease, he was shown into a circular room resembling a silver bubble. It was suspended in mid air, and while there were tangible walls, they were translucent.
Stepping through the membrane of the bubble, he found himself standing in the center. On the curved walls of the sphere, in panoramic proportions, hazy images began coming into focus. Soon, it was like a watching a very realistic movie. David watched intently and soon realized that the movie playing was his life.
From the moment of his birth to his death, the images depicted every second of his existence on earth.
With every flash he was shown, he also re-lived every emotion related to that moment. For every experience, an impression of understanding was somehow bestowed upon him. Whenever someone was cruel to him, he immediately understood why that incident happened. He had a knowing, a spiritual empathy, that allowed him to see all perspectives of the lesson.
David not only felt his own emotions, but the feelings of every single person he’d interacted with. Each scenario played out exactly the way it had happened on Earth.
He felt his sister’s anger when he’d flung mud at her and his mother’s guilt as she lay dying in front of her son. David also endured the anguish his father felt as he watched his wife die.
Moving through every moment of his life, he observed with unbiased omnipotence.
The images then flickered to his wedding day.
When he was alive, he assumed their wedding was the best day of Ellen’s life. With the eyes of his soul, he saw the reality. Locked away in the church bathroom, Ellen wept bitter tears of broken dreams.
He observed how her sexuality was a painful struggle for most of her life. She felt she’d never be accepted for who she really was. With the hole left in her heart from denying herself, she turned to material possessions to fill the void.
“Maybe,” Ellen’s sad voice echoed, her image painted on the wall of the sphere as she sat huddled on the bathroom floor, “maybe if I treat him as horribly as I can, he’ll divorce me.”
Saddened, not by resentment, but for the life she felt she couldn’t live, David felt he finally understood his wife.
He was especially interested in knowing Ellen’s reaction to his death. She had appeared withdrawn as she observed his dead body. As the empathic perspective merged with Ellen, David felt terrible anguish wash over him. Ellen felt lost without the man she’d grown to love and respect. Even though she’d done everything to make this man hate her, he remained true and loving. Looking at his lifeless body, she felt a piece of her soul die.
As the life review faded away, David contemplated all he’d seen and experienced.
David realized that every second of his life, no matter how painful, was necessary for his journey. His mother dying, though agonizing, had motivated him to become a doctor, helping hundreds of people.
His marriage to Ellen gave him the opportunity to learn a multitude of lessons, patience, understanding and unconditional love. He understood that earthly life was all about the experience. Closing his eyes, he surrendered to the moment, allowing the memories and lessons to absorb into his soul.
He felt at peace.
Angels in the Sand
Upon arriving at the hotel, Gabe physically lead Lily back upstairs. She wasn’t paying attention to where she was walking at all. Her hand up in the air, she watched her new diamond ring glinting and glistening in every light.
Back in the hotel room, the two celebrated their engagement by ordering champagne and strawberries. Running a warm bubble bath in the antique tub, they enjoyed a relaxing soak. Gabe washed and rubbed Lily’s back with scented oils as she rattled off details about what kind of dress she’d like to wear at the wedding.
After their romantic bath, Lily ordered room service. Gabe’s jaw dropped while she was ordering. Two orders of pita bread with tsaziki, two Greek salads, six pork Souvlaki with stuffed potatoes and two orders of baklava.
“Hungry?” Gabe said, laughing, after she’d hung up with the attendant.
“Starved! Aren’t you?” She asked, her eyes wide with child-like innocence.
Laughing, Gabe grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close.
“I’m hungry for you.” He replied with a mischievous grin.
Giggling, he thr
ew her down on the bed and tickled her ribs, stopping only after she claimed she had to pee.
When a knock announced the food’s arrival, Gabe and Lily both ran for the door, pushing each other playfully. As they neared the door, Gabe turned, picked Lily up and tossed her onto the bed.
“Cheater!” She yelled, faking a pout.
“Ha ha! I win!” Gabe announced, breathless and dishevelled, as he swung open the door. A female attendant with long blonde hair, donning bright pink lipstick, looked a bit shocked as she rolled in the cart. Gabe had answered the door shirtless and the attendant blushed as she diverted her eyes from Gabe’s muscular chest.
Lily, now sitting on the bed, gave a mischievous look and threw a pillow at Gabe. Ducking instinctively, the pillow missed his head but nailed the attendant in the face, smearing her bright pink lipstick across her cheek.
Now obviously annoyed, the attendant set up the table, accepted a gracious tip from Gabe and exited quickly.
Laughing hysterically, the troublemakers dove into their delicious supper.
~
The next day, they took a walk on the beach. Lily, wearing a little white sundress, was determined to collect as many seashells as she could find so she purchased a little wicker basket to collect them in.
“It's amazing!” She exclaimed as they arrived at the Mediterranean beach.
The crystal waters stretched far into the horizon while the blue sky used the ocean as its mirror. White crests of waves threw themselves upon the sandy shore, time and time again, reaching for some unknown destination inland.
Peninsulas sat stoically along the coastline like rock soldiers, enduring the crashing waves bravely.
Lily, who'd been holding Gabe’s hand, suddenly released him and ran to the water's edge. Kicking off her sandals, putting her basket down and hiking her dress up to her thighs, she waded into the ocean. Wandering further in, Gabe laughed as the cool waves pushed her over, causing her to shriek as her dress and long hair got wet.
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