Casey McCloud Escapes from Hell

Episode X: Epilogue

Casey McCloud opened her eyes.

She was sitting on the steps of the local hospital. She was wearing her tattered winter jacket and snow boots. The cold winter wind whipped her hair into her face. She was curled up, legs tucked into her chest, arms wrapped around them.

Casey wasn't sure if it had all been a dream or not. But it didn't matter. That adventure had proven something. There was something she had to do.

Casey stood and walked into the hospital. She asked the clerk if she could visit room A17. She got a pass and hurried up.

The room was empty, save for the woman lying on the hospital bed. She appeared to be asleep. An assortment of tubes and wire ran up and down her arms and in her nose, telling the doctors that yes, she was still alive.

Casey walked over to the bed and lightly put a hand on the woman's shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at Casey with a smile.

"Hi, Casey," she said softly.

"Hi Molly," Casey answered.

The woman chuckled. "You could just call me Mom, you know. It really wouldn't hurt."

Casey smiled as tears formed behind her eyes.

"Listen, what I said earlier, about you not being useful to me anymore-"

Molly held Casey's hand. "Forgiven. I understand why you are upset. But the treatment is slow. It requires patience. It's like... like trying to-"

"Climb your way up from Hell?"

Molly gave Casey a look.

"Yes, something like that."

Casey grinned. "Okay, Mom, I've got to tell you this story. It's a dream I had. Sorta. I'm not sure if it was a dream or not, but it was really interesting, and you need to hear it."

Molly smiled. "I'll all ears, sweetie."

Casey pulled a chair up to her mother's bedside.

"So," She began. "I woke up in Hell..."

In her excitement, Casey didn't notice the potted plant on her mother's bedside, the pot glued together, looking healthy and very alive.

The End