Beth Solheim - At Witt's End

A breathless Lora nodded. She joined Theo and tucked her trembling hands next to her elbows. The two turned their backs on the trunk and leaned against it.

Profanity spewing, Rodney issued every threat he could contrive. “Let me out, you worthless piece of shit.” He banged his knees against the trunk. “I'll fade away if you don't let me out."

"Really?” Theo said. “What a shame that would be."

"Didn't you hear me? I'll fade away."

Theo waited for the banging to stop before he responded, “You should have thought of that before you tried to kill Sadie."

"At least that bitch is dead.” Rodney let out a haggard laugh, a laugh meant to disguise panic. “Who needs her any way?"

"You made a big mistake,” Theo said. “By killing Sadie, you ruined any chance of going to the parallel world. Be sure to let me know what it's like in oblivion."

More profanity escaped from the trunk. Lora grimaced and looked away.

Theo joined the crowd kneeling over the body and made his way to Sadie's side. He drew in a somber breath. His eyes grew moist as he placed a knee on the ground and stared at the body.

"Nooo. Please, nooo. Don't go. Don't leave me,” Jane moaned, cradling the bleeding head. Tears flowed down her cheeks, dropping in small splats against her arm. She gently held the still hand, rubbing her cheek back and forth against the bruised skin. Her head dropped back as a piercing wail escaped.

Aanders appeared at the door and realized what had happened. A guttural cry rumbled forth as he ran to the people gathered around the sidewalk.

Trembling, he knelt next to Jane. He reached out and touched the body. “Please don't die.” Brushing tears from his eyes with the back of his hand he repeated, “Please. Please don't die."

Aanders’ pressed gently on Sadie's shoulder fighting to regain his composure. “It's time. It's time for Tim to go. I need to get him."

Jane wailed as Aanders’ words registered. She pulled Mr. Bakke closer to her chest. The man's head fell against her shoulder. She placed kisses on his forehead.

Aanders’ breaths came in spurts, suddenly understanding the finality of his statement.

"Hurry. We don't have much time,” Sadie said, fighting the acid inching its way up her throat. The roar of her pulse pushing adrenalin through her system was deafening.

"Why did this have to happen to him? Why couldn't it have been me?” Jane said grasping her sister's hand.

Sadie looked toward Lora who leaned against the rental car's trunk with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Lora's lower lip trembled. She nodded toward Sadie. The frail woman stood sentry over the trunk, ignoring the threats emanating from within.

Tim appeared in the doorway with Aanders bracing him on one side. Theo ran to assist the pair.

"Just a little farther,” Aanders whispered, encouraging Tim to take a few more steps. Aanders helped lower Tim to the ground and sat behind him to prop him up. He swiped at his tears with his hand.

The sound of sirens in the distance caught Jane's ear and she looked at Sadie.

Sadie shook her head in reply to Jane's unspoken question.

"Noooo,” Jane said, as she caressed Mr. Bakke's hand. “Noooo.” She bowed her head and placed a final kiss on Mr. Bakke's cheek.

Aanders, Sadie, and the crossers looked on as a glow began to form and a gentle breeze swirled around Mr. Bakke.

Tim managed a forlorn smile. He looked up at Aanders who lifted him into a standing position. He mouthed “Thank you,” but the words were barely audible.

Aanders sobbed, trying to fight the consuming emotion.

"You know I don't want to leave you. But I have to. Mom and Dad need me."

"I know,” Aanders said, bracing Tim's sagging body. “I'm sorry I kept you from going through the light the other day. That was wrong."

The wind's intensity grew as the tunnel began to rotate with increased momentum.

Mr. Bakke rose and placed a kiss on Jane's head before he turned to gaze at the vivid aura building in the background. Wisps of his thin, white hair danced excitedly in the wind. He reached out to Tim and beckoned with a motion of his fingers. “Let's go son. I think I know two people who are anxious to see you."

Tim released Aanders’ hand and grasped Mr. Bakke's arm. The elderly gentleman pulled him to his side.

Brilliant rays danced like lightning. The power of the light drew them deeper into the vortex. “Please remind Jane how much I love her and take good care of her. Tell her we'll meet again,” Mr. Bakke shouted, waving farewell to Sadie.

"Thank you, Sadie,” Tim said. “Thanks for taking me in.” Tim stood straighter as his strength increased. He placed his right arm behind Mr. Bakke and together they began the journey they had chosen. Tim looked back over his shoulder. He scanned the group gathered around Mr. Bakke's body. “You'll always be my best friend, Aanders. Don't ever forget that."

Sadie wrapped her arms around her sister and placed her chin on Jane's shoulder. “He's gone now, Jane. He took Tim with him. They've completed their declaration."

Jane hugged Sadie fiercely in return and let her anguish flow.

A young paramedic gently encouraged the twins to move to the side while he knelt next to Mr. Bakke's lifeless body. After checking for a pulse, he shook his head. He pulled the stethoscope from his ears.

Jane, Sadie, and Aanders accompanied the paramedics back to the ambulance and watched them release the spring-loaded mechanism and push the stretcher into the ambulance. “I'm sorry, Ma'am,” a paramedic said, tenderly prying Jane's hands from the gurney. “I'm so sorry."

After the deputy finished interviewing Jane and Sadie about the accident, the sisters retreated to the porch swing. Jane rested her head on her sister's shoulder. Sadie kept the swing in motion with the tips of her toes. She and Jane reflected on the afternoon's tragedy.

Sadie raised a hand and waved at the Pouliots as the rental car laden with luggage, and a crosser who would soon slip into oblivion, rounded the corner and disappeared from view.

Belly lay near their feet and watched with soulful eyes. Each time Jane began to sob, he let out a high pitched whine. “It sounds like that silly goose is yodeling,” Jane said between sniffles. As the flood gates opened once again, she said, “How could he do that? I just don't understand how someone could do that to Mr. Bakke."

"Mr. Bakke wasn't his intended victim. I already told you Rodney was trying to kill me,” Sadie said. “He told Lora about his plan to put me out of my misery. Because Mr. Bakke realized he'd forgotten the fish in the freezer, he headed down the steps in front of me."

"Are you sure Rodney won't ever get out of that trunk?"

"All we can do is hope that what the Pouliots said about the rental car is accurate. By the time the trunk is opened, Rodney will have faded away.” Sadie patted Jane's hand. “He can kick and holler all he wants. No one's going to hear him."

Tears dropped into Jane's lap. “I'm really proud of Mr. Bakke. He was such a kind man."

"I know you are,” Sadie responded, pressing her nose against Jane's cheek.

"Mr. Bakke and I both decided we'd go to the parallel world if we had to make a decision. It was unselfish of him to accompany Tim back through the light so he could find his parents. But it doesn't surprise me. He always loved helping people. I hope I'm fortunate enough to meet up with him again.” Jane smiled up at Sadie.

"If we're lucky, we'll all be together. Mr. Bakke wanted me to tell you how much he loved you and that he'd see you again."

"Do you think he'll be lonely without me?"

"Of course he will,” Sadie said.

Jane leaned her head against Sadie's shoulder. “Do you think death coaches will have a different role in the after life once they leave earth?"