The Perfect Gift

Chapter Twenty Four

Sarah

As I open my eyes, I see the bright sky. Getting on my feet, I take in my surrounding. Looks like I'm in a garden but I have no idea how I got here. I look down on my body and my skin appears to be glowing.

My former clothes have been replaced with a white, knee-length, long-sleeved dress. I begin to walk around the orchard where I see an assortment of various, beautiful flowers. From lilies to chrysanthemums, all spread out in the vast space of land.

Transfixed by the breathtaking scenery, I start wandering around, amazed by its splendor. I don't know how long I have walked and frankly I don't care. The setting is so idyllic. Could this be heaven? Am I really in God's kingdom.

I reach a stream with water so astonishing blue. Instantly, I wonder how it'll feel like in my palm so I bend to touch it. It was almost like regular water except I felt a surge of energy flowing through my veins at its contact.

I splash some of the water down my face and neck where I was sweating and then wash my hands. I stop abruptly when I hear a rustling of leaves behind me.

"Who's there?" I call out.

And out of the bushes, a small, good-looking boy emerges. From his looks and height, I would say he's about twelve years old. He's dressed just like I am, except his gown is reaching his feet.

"Hello, I'm Sarah," I say politely with a smile.

Surprisingly, he smiles back at me and nods, "I know who you are, Sarah Hope. I'm Gabe, it's a pleasure to meet you." He offers his hand for me to shake and I take it.

"How do you know my name? Where is this place? Do your parents know you're here?" My questions come out one after the other.

He motions for me to seat beside him on the green grass and I oblige. "You were involved in an accident earlier. A truck hit you on your way to the gallery. There was a heavy snowstorm and the truck driver could barely make out the road. He didn't see you on the road. The force with which you were hit caused you to be thrown over. You fell and hit your head hard causing serious damage to your skull. Some of your other internal organs are in severe conditions as well."

His words hit me hard like a wave and I feel all the air leaving my lungs at once.

"Am I... Am I dead?" A very frightening question but I need to know the answer. "Is that why I'm here? Because I'm dead?"

"You're not dead, Sarah. Well, not quite. You're in the hospital, in a coma. At least, your body is," he explains and I understand his words.

"Gabe?"

"Yes?"

"Will I wake up?"

"That depends on you, Sarah," he answers me. "Do you have any other question?"

"Just one. Am I in heaven?"

He smiles widely at that and starts walking away. I quickly rush to my feet, following this strange boy called Gabe.

***

Ashton

It has been almost a month since the accident and Sarah hasn't woken up. I've been in the hospital ever since, only leaving to take a shower at home and get fresh clothes. Nat comes over sometimes to bring me food and other things while also preparing for her wedding with Adrian.

Feeling the need to get some air, I take a stroll outside the hospital. There's always a daily group prayer that goes on outside her room by many of her church members. Sometimes, I join them but I prefer to pray alone in the hospital's chapel.

As I continue walking, I see Rev. Baker sitting on one of the chairs. He's reading a big, black book which is most probably a bible.

"Hello, Reverend," I greet.

"Good day, son. Sit with me?" he says, putting his bible aside and removing is eyeglasses.

"Sure. I'm Ashton Stewart, Sarah's... um, friend."

He chuckles softly, "Yes, I know who you are. Sarah has told me a lot about you, she happens to be very fond of you."

I nod my head and we're both silent for a while.

"I've seen you in the chapel a number of times praying."

"Yeah, I've been praying for Sarah's recovery. She believes in God a lot," I say.

"And you don't?"

"I don't know," I answer simply.

"I think you're wrong. Even if that's what your head is telling you, I'm sure that's not the way your heart feels," he takes out a small book from his breast pocket, "Take this. It's a bible. Maybe it'll give you the clarity you need."

I hold the bible in my hands tentatively, "Um... Okay, thanks."

Rev. Baker proceeds to tell me a funny story when Sarah was younger when I see Ems running to us, screaming, "SHE'S AWAKE! SHE'S AWAKE!"

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