AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But when?”
“Right now? It’s 1984, but it can be any year we choose.”
Keith stared at the people gazing up at the tree. “Can they see us?”
“No.”
“So it will be just us? For the rest of eternity?”
Michael smiled. “As I said before, not exactly.” He gestured to their surroundings. “I chose this as a way to introduce you to the idea, something familiar...”
Keith cocked his head. “What idea?”
“Which is it to be first—showing you your family, or showing—”
“I want to see Heidi,” he blurted.
“Then you shall.” Michael snapped his fingers, and Keith found himself standing in Heidi’s living room. Richard and the kids were there, along with Polly, Sally, and their partners and kids. Heidi stood beside the fire, and the first thing Keith noticed was her peaceful expression.
“When is this?” he whispered.
“Christmas Day.” Michael chuckled. “And there’s no need to whisper. They can’t hear you.” He pressed a finger to his lips and pointed to where Heidi raised a glass.
“To Keith.” The others echoed her action and repeated the toast, everyone taking a sip. “He’s finally happy, because he’s free from pain.”
The love in her quavering voice brought tears to his eyes.
Richard smiled. “And I have no doubt that wherever he is right now, he’s in Michael’s arms.” Everyone murmured in agreement.
Keith’s throat tightened as Michael slid his arm around his waist.
“They got that right on both counts,” Michael said in a low voice.
Keith stood and listened as his family shared stories, and while there were plenty of tears, there was also a lot of laughter, not to mention a few tall tales that made him gape, one in particular.
“I never said that!” he said with a gasp.
Michael laughed heartily. “Yes, you did, because I was there. And can I remind you about them not being able to hear you?”
Keith didn’t want to leave that room, filled as it was with love and joy and laughter. But finally he turned to Michael.
“It’s okay. I’ve seen enough. We can go now.”
Except he had no idea where they were going.
Michael pulled him close. “Hold onto me and close your eyes.”
Keith did as he was told, his heart pounding.
His heart was pounding? But how could it? How could he even be breathing?
This was surreal.
“You can open them now.”
Keith opened them. They stood on a cliff top, the waves crashing onto the rocks below. Gulls soared above their heads, catching the warm breeze that caressed his skin.
“Where are we?”
