Journeys with a stranger

Afterlife Part 1

A warm breeze though the hills. A bright, sunny, cloudless sky warms the land. A single hill with a large orange tree. The shade lays on the grass less part of the hill.

A young man approaches the tree. A cap on his head. He hums a peaceful tune. He places his right palm on the tree. Then he turns around calling.

Five men slowly walk up the hill. Each dress in similar black uniforms. They call back and cheer at their friend. The large one gave him a pat on the back. They all are happy to be together except the young man.

He felt something missing in his life. He looks around and see an army of men. The army call themselves The Black Hand. It was, it is his legacy. But the young man is confused. He see only men in that army.

They came to greet their elders. But the young man refuses to greet back. In sorrow, he departs. The young man left the group of friends and The Black Hand. The other elders did not follow suit except Tei' Rus.

The two of them walked past other hills. And is met with their former enemies. It is a bit of a nightmare to see for those two. But a wise leader steps out and greet them as a friend. He told them, "sorrow but I do not see her."

So the two continue onward. The young man felt helpless. He cries as he walks. Tei' Rus could do nothing to cheer him. They stop at a ugly old tree that stands up like a skyscraper. The tree is eighty feet tall and very wide trunk.

This very knotted tree with its knotted branches seems to hum. Tei' Rus looks up. He is shocked. He tells, "look up there. She looks like her." The young man looks. A weirdly dressed lady hums to herself. She wear mismatching socks, green shorts and a denim jacket. The young man thinks he found her.