The Covenant

The Moments After

Ahead is bright and the space around seems weightless. Soft. There was worry once, Ramona is sure of it, but now there seems to be nothing but a still relaxation that sweeps through the colors and carries whatever it finds. Including Ramona's body.

She squints just a little. She sees no others but feels their presence and becomes a bit irritated upon the intrusion. They are voices and they are calling out. All of them. She knows none of them, but notices that some are joyful, while others are sullen and most are either scared or unsure, which makes Ramona feel somewhat more natural. Still, she closes her eyes again to summon back the feeling of ease. She decides that is the better way to travel.

It is not until the glimmering crystal gate comes into view that Ramona feels the need to find her head. The strange presences gather quietly, and make themselves more visible than before. Some are in front of Ramona while many float discreetly behind. All are different ages, different colors and different sizes.

All seem to be trying to think clearly.

The gate grows much closer as Ramona is zoomed forward in a spiral of light. She blinks and grunts, beginning to pick up a sound that only her ears are able to hear and recognize. It is the sound of something sharp and unwelcome. The splash of a vibrant, sticky fluid on clean pavement. The echoing thud of her back smashing into the rough ground. Fingers clenching at dirt, at grass, at a prickle bush, at anything. At life.

Then there are the screams of those gathered around. Their fading voices and the feel of several hands tightening around her own.

The last thing she thinks is "Shit"

Moments later, It all goes dim. The dimness eases in to a flushed darkness.
And Ramona is somehow grateful for that.

Nothing is hot or red on her fingers anymore. There is no hole in her stomach. No tears from classmates and first responders zipping down her face and neck.
There is a bright gate, and she is clean and the unfamiliar faces seem friendly enough, even after realizing where they are, how they got there and what my happen.