The Parchment

"Tell me about the accident. Tell me everything that you can remember."

I paused for a while. I didn't even talk to CiCi about the accident. It was too painful.

"Tell me what you remember. This is very important. Don't omit anything."

"We had been to a party. The road was a little icy but nothing that Bobbie couldn't handle. We were talking and laughing when I saw it out of the corner of my eye. It was the back of a truck with no taillights, stalled on the road. Bobbie tried to stop but the road made it impossible and we hit it. The noise from the crash still rings in my ears today. I try to sleep, but can't, I still see it.

I felt incredible pain. Pain that shot through my body almost crushing me. It was a pain that stopped my breath. I must have blacked out then. When I came to I looked to the other side of the car. Paramedics were removing Bobbie's body and taking him to the hospital. I don't know how I did it, but I climbed out and rode with them. My injuries were minor because I could move easily. I think my concern for Bobbie let me forget the pain.

I sat with Bobbie for over a week. There was a ventilator. I stayed with him day and night, and never slept. They said he had brain damage, and even though I begged, no one listened, and one day the machine was removed and Bobbie left me.

I missed it. I missed it all. I missed the funeral and the viewing. I was lost. Days went by and I wandered. Days turned to weeks and I didn't sleep. I couldn't remember where I was, until one day...I was in a hospital, a mental hospital. I know it was because I didn't sleep. I'm certain. Then, I came home. I'm not certain who took care of CiCi while I was gone, probably the neighbors. None have stopped in since I came home, maybe they're angry with me because I didn't attend Bobbie's funeral, maybe they just don't know I'm home.

That's all I can remember. I lost the love of my life that night and I never came to say good-bye. I think he was gone long before we went to the hospital. Is that why you're here? Am I to be punished more because I never went, never said good-bye? Is that why nothing has been right since?"

The figure, God, came closer. I don't know how He did it but, He put his arms around me and I felt peace. I felt peace that hadn't existed since that fateful night.

"Child, you aren't to be punished. You've done nothing sinful. You are mistaken on quite a few areas though and I need to help you. I need to help you understand."

God paused. I waited to see what he had to tell me. Was I being forgiven or meant to spend eternity alone.

"Please help me. I am ready for whatever you will do to me. I should have been stronger, I should have been there."

The figure sighed; I could feel the love emanating from it. It was God, nothing would feel this warm and caring, and no other entity could give me this quiet gentle comfort.

"You are correct, Bobbie's soul left at the moment of impact. Bobbie had already walked into the light but the body was strong and remained alive with the aid of machines. Bobbie wasn't there.

When you passed out, oh child, how do I tell you? When you passed out, you really just passed. You didn't see your own body lying there because of your focus on Bobbie. The wandering for days, that was actually for five earthbound years. Your soul had to find a reason for all this and you chose lack of sleep. You have been in this house for over a year and now, you are frightening some other precious creatures. There is a small child that sees bits of you as you wander and the parents find the coffee started when they get home. It is time to leave. Bobbie is waiting."

That can't be. CiCi can see me. She's always there for me. I must still be alive. You aren't real, I won't believe you."

Cats are my special creatures. They can travel both sides. She has been your guide. The family that lives in this house loves her very much, but she cares so much for you that she has chosen to remain faithful. Now come child."

The figure began to change to a stark white glowing light. "Walk into the light my child, walk in."

I turned and jumped back into bed. I threw the covers over my head and lay there until I could force the memory into the recesses of my mind. It wasn't real; I just need more sleep.

I wasn't certain that I was awake that morning or only dreaming. I thought I talked to him, but it was so bizarre that I must have been dreaming, that is the only answer.

As I got out of bed, there lay a slip of paper on the floor. It was my handwriting. I lifted it up, trying to remember when I had bought parchment. Parchment? Wait, parchment was part of my dream. There were just two words on the paper, "It's true."