I closed my eyes tightly, took a deep breath and headed towards the shed. I swung open the door as the wind rattled the plastic windows in their frames. I scanned the dimly lit space for a shovel. Found it! I grabbed the cold metal spade and span round and headed back to the tree. Phoenix smiled at me and whispered thank you as I stabbed the shovel into the ground. I dug frantically, barely looking up. Before I knew it, I reached the pile of bones. I scooped them carefully into my arms and held tightly onto them. I gently placed them on the grass above before climbing out. A huge pile of dirt was situated to the left of the hole. My hands were covered in soil and my hair was dirt ridden. My arms were aching. I placed the skeleton on a pile of dry autumn leaves. Mother made me rake them up because she thought it made the garden look untidy. Running into my house, I darted for the matches. I felt a headache coming on as my temples started to throb. I took a bottle of vodka from the side. She had so many; I figured mum wouldn’t even notice that it was gone. Stepping into my garden, I noticed that it was starting to get quite late and the air was cold. It made me shiver as it blew across my face. I ran to Phoenix’s bones and poured the white spirit all over them and struck a match. I watched them go up in flames as they engulfed him. Spirit to save a spirit. I stared deeply into the flames as I thought about everything. I missed my father so much. He gave me hope and picked me up when I was feeling low. He protected me from all mums’ pain. He gave me a reason for living. I couldn’t deal with my mother anymore. I had moved away from my old house so I lost all my friends. I felt so alone. I was then I decided I didn’t want to live anymore. I stepped into the flames and allowed them to swallow me whole. The pain was excruciating. I felt myself burn.
The bright light hurt my eyes. Everything was white; pure. The pain was no longer there and everything was finally peaceful. I looked around but there was nothing to see apart from a blannk space.
“Taylor?” I know that voice, I thought to myself.
“Phoenix? Is that you?” I turned around and there he stood, happy, and dressed in white. His clothes were fresh and clean. A smile was printed on his face.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, walking towards me.
“I didn’t want to do it anymore. I couldn’t cope. I needed to get out, escape”
“Shhh, it’s okay beautiful.” He remarked, in a clam, reassuring voice. He pulled me in and kissed my forehead. His skin was warm now, inviting.
“Where am I?” I asked, puzzled.
“You are some place safe. A place where no one can hurt you and where you will never be alone. It’s called Heaven.” I nuzzled my head deep into his shoulder. He was rather handsome and I knew he’d look after me. I finally felt safe and loved.“Thank you. I love you, Taylor.” he whispered after a small silence.
“That’s okay. I love you too. You saved me. You are my little piece of happiness.” I let go of him and took a step back. He grinned widely, showing his perfect teeth. I’d never seen such a genuine smile.
“I’ve brought you someone” he said, moving out of my way. At first I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Tay?” he remarked as I ran towards him quickly. He picked me up in his strong arms and spun me around, laughing. I saw his eyes light up. Joy overwhelmed me. I hugged him so tight I almost couldn’t breathe. All the happy memories came flooding back. It was weird seeing him so strong, so healthy and happy. I could smell him again, run my fingers through his hair, laugh with him again.
“I’ve missed you so much, Dad. Nothing has been the same without you. I love you more than anyone!”
“I love you too Tay. I’m sorry I left you.” I could hear the tears in his voice. “But I promise you I am never going anywhere ever again.” He ruffled my hair like he did when I was a kid and held me even closer.
I never knew I could ever feel this happy. Everything that was important to me on Earth didn’t matter; grades, jobs, money. It made me laugh how worried and stressed I got about stupid things like homework being late. I finally was free from mum’s horrific torments and I know that I will never be alone. I was finally at peace with myself. Happy.
- The End -
Thank you for reading :)
