Strange Soul In A Strange World

Judgement Hall

Tessa's soul lay prone on the cloud-covered floors of the grand hall. Her mind was uncertain and blurred, making her feel uncomfortable as her body curled further into a fetal position, trying to rid herself of the sense of unease lingering in her very being.

A gentle voice without gender could be heard echoing throughout the hall bringing with it a sense of warmth, comfort, and belonging 'Be at ease child, no one will hurt you here.' Tessa slowly uncurled from her fetal position, then stood up and took small and tentative steps filled with both uncertainty and determination.

Soon she stood in front of a gently glowing light covered in soft-looking cotton-like clouds, the glow lightly touches her skin like the embrace of a parent welcoming back their child after a long period of separation. 'My child, your life may have been difficult and filled with so much pain and suffering since you were but a young girl, but you had faith and showed traits that even those much older than you seldomly have. You lost your parents at the tender age of nine, with your younger brother being no more than seven months and two weeks old at the time. They both died on their return trip home due to the sudden occurrence of a landslide that buried and crushed them both. You showed bravery and determination even as you grieved over their deaths. You persevered through the many trials in life growing up and trying to raise your younger brother into a healthy and energetic young boy with a kind and understanding heart.

You showed integrity despite the corruption and negativity of those around you, patience and kindness to those who wronged you, and even to creatures who may be considered insignificant pests to others. Your sense of justice is very admirable as you helped many others who had been wrongly accused, abused, or assaulted.

Child... your actions and experiences shaped you into the young woman that brings me pride, especially the last act of saving an infant from being crushed, but it was unfortunate that you died doing so. Your actions and traits showed me you are still very much needed, and I know just where.' The voice said kindly.

"Um... if it's not too much to ask, and sorry if this comes out somewhat rude but may I know who you are?" Tessa spoke barely above a whisper. Silence echoes throughout the room before a pleasant fatherly laugh eases her tension.

'Oh Child, you should know who I am since I'm the one who listens to all your prayers every time you seek answers and guidance through the very prayers you made every night from the moment you learned how to pray as a little girl who could barely talk properly. To the Hebrews I am called Yahweh, to some, I am called Lord, to others I'm called the almighty, but the name I am called the most is GOD.' God says in a fatherly tone as he introduces himself to her.

Tessa's eyes widen with realization at God's response to her question. Awe could be seen from her eyes as she stood before God with admiration coming from the bottom of her heart. She always knew God was listening to her prayers since she was young because her heart had always felt light with every prayer she made. It's like the weight on her shoulder grew slightly lighter after suffering hardships of reality and bearing the heavy responsibilities of raising her younger sibling each day. She knew not many people truly believed in God because they believed in the words 'Seeing is believing' so she sometimes attempts to tell others about her experience in prayers.

The results were less than desirable... but even if that was so, it doesn't matter because she and her brother believe in him. But... now that she stood before God, she couldn't help but think of her younger brother. Worry rose from the depths of her soul because of the lack of knowledge in regards to the effect her death will have on her brother, even though she knows that her grandparents are there with him, but both of their grandparents are very old and did not have much time left. Her body starts shivering in fear at the thought of her brother being alone with no one else to depend on if her grandparents were to pass on before he reaches adulthood.