After Life

Chapter 3

"Do you know what went wrong? Has this happened to anybody else?" Elaine asked. Although figuring out what happened would help distract her from her turbulent emotions, she was humble enough to realize that while she was new to the whole 'being dead' thing, she would need the doctor's help. 

"No, you're the first person I've ever met that didn't cross over right as they died. How long have you been dead?" Dr. Kirshner asked, tilting his head. 

"I don't know. Since this afternoon, I think."

"Interesting," the doctor responded and resumed chewing on his pen. 

After a beat of silence that made it clear Dr. Kirshner had no intention of continuing the conversation, Elaine decided to tackle the elephant in the room. 

"How do you know about all of this? How can you see me?"

The doctor sighed before looking Elaine over, searching for something in her. Somewhat content with what he saw, Kirshner responded, "I know because I was there when the procedures were established."

"So you're what? The grim reaper?"

"Not necessarily. Reapers take the souls to the afterlife, and I was more in charge of helping them settle down."

"So you're an angel?" Elaine asked, looking over the doctor with new eyes.

Kirshner, shifting from one foot to another, responded uncomfortably, "Kinda. Most theories about the after life are only partially true, though. But, yeah, if coining me as an angel can help you wrap your head around all of this, then knock yourself out."

"Okay, then," Elaine suddenly narrowed her eyes, as if she just realized something, "Can I call the afterlife Heaven, then? What with the 'most religions are partially right' thing."

Kirshner gave her a small smile. "Like I said, knock yourself out. Heaven, nirvana, paradise, all of the different names basically mean the same thing. Think of it like different nicknames. None of them are wrong, per say. I tend to call it the afterlife, because, well, it's after life."

"Okay, I think I got it. Sorry this is all a lot different than what I was expecting."

Elaine started pacing a bit, hoping the additional movement would help her digest the information faster. Dr. Kirshner went back to his report. 

After some time had passed, Elaine questioned, "So why are you here? Are you on official afterlife business or-"

Looking at the doctor, she suddenly fell quiet. His brows were furrowed and eyes squeezed shut. Elaine knew that look; he was trying not to cry. 

"Hey, buddy," she tried consoling him, "Are you okay? I didn't mean anything malicious." 

Taking in a steadying breath, Kirshner cryptically explained, "it's a long story."

"I don't exactly have to go anywhere. Well, aside from my hair appointment Sunday," Elaine joked. 

The doctor let out a weak laugh.

"Okay. I guess you'll find out regardless, so there's no harm in telling you."