Mom when is Dad going to wake up? I wish I knew Christopher but hopefully soon……I was just talking to the doctors and they think he could wake up any day now.
“Are you guys hungry?”
"Mom are you serious? Simone is always hungry!"
"Christopher, you shouldn’t say things like that about your little sister."
“Well its true! She is growing and being 8 years-old also would explain her urge to eat."
“Mom are you crying?” Asked Simone.
"I’m not it’s just this old hospital is so dusty and my allergies are flaring up again. Let’s go home and I’ll make us some lunch. I know we had an early start today and its already past noon. What would you guys like to have for lunch? But before we go let’s all go say goodbye to your father."
As the family walks into the room a nurse is busy adjusting an IV bag on a hanger above the bed. A seemingly lifeless body, lies still with countless sensors attached to any bare skin not covered. Several electronic monitors are active showing numbers and other vital readings.
“Dad looks like he’s just sleeping Mom.”
"I know Chris, kind of like when he falls asleep watching the evening news…… Maybe he can hear us if we talk to him."
“Dad please wake up!”
“Please Daddy!”
“You promised to teach me how to ride my new bike!”
"Simone don’t cry, I promise he’ll teach you how! Isn’t that right Mom!"
"Yes, Chris he will! We all love you Honey and will be standing right here when you open your eyes. All right kids, give your Daddy a kiss and tell him just how much we love him." The wife and kids are all standing by his bedside and Simone is grasping an open hand that suddenly closes firmly against hers! “MOM!” Dad is squeezing my hand!
* * *
My heart pounded loudly after the shot rang out in defiance, against such incomprehensible fear! The glowing object had stumbled back from the hit! It became stationary, just floating there among the burning brush and trees. A great feeling of confidence flooded, once icy veins with such a great warmth of spirit. I could beat this! I refuse to cower like some baby behind a tree! “FUCK YOU!” I got up and dropped my rifle and ran as fast as I could toward the light! It’s time for me to end this! When my body is found, they will say he fought tooth and nail to end! This man left this world in a blaze of glory! He wasn’t a cowered who pissed his pants before he died in the fetal position! I refuse to be that guy! As I ran a distant voice called out me………It was Simone!
“DADDY PLEASE WAKE UP!”
Where are you baby? What did she mean by wake up? This is not making any sense at all! Just what Hell is going on here? At that moment, my feet began to leave the ground! Something is lifting me up! The sphere is now moving towards me with a great purpose. “YOU WILL NOT LEAVE THIS PLACE!” A deep voice bellowed loudly from the direction of the sphere………