|
|
|
|
|
|
|
darkness awaited, and she had no choice but to slip into it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In that darkness Josie had no awareness of herself, of the world, or anything beyond. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gradually awareness returned, creeping from the void into her consciousness. The quiet was all-consuming. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What had happened to the storm? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Then a storm of a different type whirled through the darkness, damp air against her hot face, dank wind in her hair. Sadness and grief shrouded her. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Josie put a tentative hand on her stomach, and a soft sob escaped her at the emptiness there. For nine months she had carried a life, and now that life was gone. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Despair threatened, icy cold and terrifying. If possible, the darkness became darker, heavier, more oppressive. The wind was still and suddenly a light beckoned. Drifting forward, she became aware of a tunnel and voices all around her, though she couldn't distinguish any words. The voices soothed her fear. No longer would she be alone. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This place held no pain, no sadness, only joy. Josie stopped in front of the light, fascinated with the myriad of colors within the brightness. Colors she had never seen but merely imagined danced before her awestruck gaze. The voices she had heard emanated from the light, and Josie was drawn to their happiness. Still she hesitated. Should she go through? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A figure appeared on the other side, the silhouette of a man. He beckoned to her, then held out his hand. |
|
|
|
|
|