Google Ghosts - A Cyber Psychic Serial by Tony Baksa - Episode 11 - Revelation

                                          

Being whisked away so abruptly by Gregory was like being caught up in Dorothy's tornado. But where Gregory led Artie -  through all the spooky and the lovely -  was the beginning of a revelation.
                                      

They stopped - Gregory & Artie - on a blossom heavy pathway that seemed to lead to perhaps a large expanse of more blossoms, sparkling light and warmth. As they - Gregory and  Artie - proceeded toward the archway that surely was the portal to something - Artie noticed that Gregory began to transform back into his familiar physical self. Artie had the sense that the same thing was happening to him as well. Not a word was spoken but Artie felt safe with Gregory. No longer did he feel Greg was a threat. Monster Greg was no more.
                                      

They passed through the archway into an indescribable garden. Warmth and light abounded. Artie never felt so safe and good. Artie felt so very good. He felt Gregory's hand on his shoulder. Artie filled with love for Gregory.
                                       

Gregory spoke, "Well, Artie, we made it. I wasn't sure we would. But here we are."

"Its beautiful - beyond beautiful. Where are we, Greg?"

"Home", said Greg simply.

"Yes, I'm home. I am home." Greg wept with profound understanding.

"Sorry about scaring you like that. I had to pretend to be an impostor to save you from the demons." Greg explained.

"I didn't deserve to be saved after what I did," Artie said remorsefully.

"When someone commits suicide, Artie, the demons rush in to claim the soul. We fight for your salvation. In a way, this battle for your soul is your punishment for throwing your precious life away. We don't always win the battle. There has to be good souls here that want your salvation enough to put their own salvation in jeopardy. " Gregory explained.

"I knew you were my best friend." Artie said with a universe full of love toward Gregory.

"I thought that was Clifford," Greg teased, "Oh, and Jill, too."

"I love you all equally and differently," Artie jumped in eager to have Greg understand.

Gregory laughed, "Oh Artie, I know. We all know."
                                       

Jill, Clifford, Mom and Dad and Norma suddenly appeared. Artie was overwhelmed with emotion. They just all stood there shimmering - Artie, too. In this shimmer, understanding came to Artie in all its fullness. He understood that this was the first time he was seeing his family and friends. He understood that what appeared to him earlier were impostors - demons. He knew, now. He remembered his suicide. It all was revealed in this shimmer. He also understood with great relief that he was forgiven. However, he knew he would have to atone. The impostors were right about one thing. Everyone must atone. The imposters were bitter souls who refused atonement. For them no one would risk their immortality to save them. They eventually become demons hell bent on recruiting "soldiers" to fight the "atoners". Thanks to Gregory, Artie escaped an eternity of evil warfare.  Artie was filled with gratitude. He wanted eagerly to atone. He couldn't wait. And, finally, Artie understood that his salvation came with the help and intervention of Gregory. This was Gregory's atonement.

"Thank you dear dear Gregory," said Artie.

"No, thank you, dear dear Artie for giving my atonement purpose. I am now a pure spirit. There is nothing more perfect then that - to be a pure spirit. I am so happy."

At that, Artie was surrounded by his friends and family. As they hugged and chatted and shimmered Artie knew this reunion was temporary. His atonement would delay their permanent joy. It didn't worry him for he knew - just like Gregory - he would return with a pure soul.
                          
                                                  

                                                      CODA


It was a cold damp morning. It had stopped raining but the dampness and grayness influenced the mood of the early hours. Melba entered the apartment as she did three days a week every week for several years. How many years was it she had been cleaning Artie's apartment. Was it seven - seven years - yes. It was Melba's favorite gig. She was certain Artie cleaned his place the night before she was to come. It was their joke. What a nice guy he was. And generous. Christmas bonuses were rather inappropriate given the light cleaning she was hired to do. Melba even balked a few times but Artie insisted saying she underestimated her worth. Case closed.

Oh, Artie was the best. He really was. Although he had seemed distracted of late and rather morose. But Melba was sure he'd snap out of it eventually. A guy like Artie has so much to live for. Aware of his sadness, Melba brought him a tin of Russian tea cakes - his favorite - she had baked precisely for him the night before. He needed cheering up she thought. And did Artie love her cookies. Oh my God, he seemed to love them more than life.

Melba went into the kitchen to place the tin on the counter with a note that said "Happy Monday, Boss!" She delighted in the fact that Artie would discover them at some point when he returned from work.

Melba left the kitchen and made her way to the bedroom where she always began her chores - making the bed etc. She entered the bedroom and sighed, "That Artie - he went ahead and made his bed. What does he need me for - sometimes I feel like I'm getting charity instead of a paycheck."  She dusted a little and made her way toward his "den of inequity" as he jokingly called his home office.

Melba entered the den and saw immediately the spilled wine on the beige rug, the wine glass on the floor and slumped over the desk with his head on the computer keyboard was Artie. Melba rushed to Artie. She tapped his back, "Artie, Artie" One more rather strong back tap and Artie fell to the floor face up and apparently - most apparently dead.

Melba screamed!

                                            

                                                        THE END