Stevan Mena - Transience

He turned to his right, before him was the giant oak tree, more beautiful than ever. He watched as the branches swayed in the wind, moving in slow motion. He looked to the sky, which was bluer than he’d ever experienced before.

Soaring high above was the yellow kite. It swirled in the breeze and then plummeted, crashing into the ground. Jack followed the thin white string to its owner, a small boy, about 6 years old, with soft pale features, bright blue eyes, and white blonde hair. The boy started to wind the string up when he turned and saw Jack standing there.

They stared at each other, motionless for a moment. Then the boy smiled at Jack, as if he’d been expecting him, a warm, welcoming expression. Jack smiled back.

The boy approached him with no fear, reaching out and taking Jack by the hand, pulling him with him. Jack followed effortlessly.

The boy led him towards the tree. Jack could see two people sitting beneath it, sharing lunch beside a small pond. The perfect day.

Jack looked closer at the two people. It was Robert and Patricia, slightly older. They called to the boy to join them. The boy turned to Jack and smiled one last time. He darted off into the arms of his parents, they scooped him up lovingly, exchanging hugs and small kisses.

Jack watched, filled with desire and relief. Filled with joy at the happiness in their eyes. He wanted so much to join them. His heart and soul rejoiced, an indescribable feeling of peace. He was so grateful for his life, and for this moment.

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.

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.

www.darkcirclepress.com