Then all at once, everything around him went dark again. All except for the glowing circle of light that had led him there. It emitted a soothing emotion to him, like the embrace of an old friend. It began to drift towards him, this time getting much closer. The ball of energy made a silent outreach into his mind, proposing a question to him in thought only. The language was a feeling, transmitted the way a hug communicated love. Jack internalized the question.
It was asking him if he was ready. Jack did not resist.
The light drifted down, illuminating only him. It was brighter than anything he’d ever seen before, but there was no need to shield his eyes. He stood receptive, open, willing.
The light began to spin, forming a tunnel that drew him inside. It spiraled as it enveloped him, surrounding him with color and warmth. Whatever this experience was, he didn’t want it to end. He wanted to remain here, in this moment, forever. Peaceful, safe, loved.
But something powerful beckoned. It pushed him through this tunnel of soft warmth. Jack could see an opening, an even brighter light in the distance. A passage to another world. It grew wider, brighter. He felt compelled to obey, to pass through, embrace the source of this love and peace.
He could hear voices, muffled. Distant.
“There we go. One more,” a calm voice said. Then a painful scream, followed by the calm voice again, “Push. That’s it. One more. Almost there. Push!”
Jack felt a powerful force thrust him through — into the bright light. It was blinding. The luxurious warmth fell away, leaving him cold, wet, and disoriented.
“It’s a boy.”
Martha wrapped Patricia and Robert’s new baby in a white and purple hospital blanket. Patricia, recovering from all the pain and exhaustion, managed a grin as Martha handed her the crying boy. Robert leaned over to get a closer look and kissed Patricia’s cheek.
“He’s beautiful,” Patricia said. They each stared lovingly into their newborn’s bright blue eyes.
Copyright
Published by Dark Circle Press
Copyright © 2006 by Stevan Mena
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-9910005-1-7
All characters in this book are fictitious, any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.