Fools that we were!

Fools that we were!

2375 AD.

Gilbert wandered in his soulship. He followed his great grandson Nick everywhere. And what a handsome young man Nick was! He surely had inherited the good looks of the Swan family.

But Gilbert’s soul was disturbed. Anxious as to what would happen next. The soulship was close to Nick. So close! He could almost feel Nick’s heavy breathing. If only Nick knew that his great grandfather was so close to him! But what use was Gilbert to Nick? Absolutely none. He could not break the universal protocols under any circumstances. All he could do was watch. Watch his family lineage come to an end. Watch Nick’s son die.

Nick ran to the next hospital. His four month old son in his arms. Still breathing. Still alive. But for how long? He wondered.

“Please, please… Oh for heaven’s sakes, do something doctor!”

“I am sorry Mr. Swan. You will need the prescribed bottle. Without it, I am afraid, nothing can be done. No medicines will work…”

Nick, with his eyes swelling with tears begged again “But Doctor, I tried. It is not available anywhere!  The only pharmacy where it is available is asking for two and a half million Universal credits. Two and a half million! How on earth can I manage those many credits? Besides, I have the two Government spare bottles I get every month. But you asked me to bring the purest available form since the child is so young. Please doctor. Can’t I get just five spoonfuls? Just so the child could live a day longer? I will sell everything I possess tomorrow. My house, car, everything. I am not sure how much I will get, but nothing means more to me than this baby! Just five spoonfuls please? Have mercy….”

By now, Nick was crying. And so was Gilbert’s soul.

Nick saw the child’s face getting pale. Cold. He panicked.

“Doctor…no!!!! Please tell me he is all right! Please God! No!! Please!!!”

The child passed away. His tiny fingers were lifeless. His eyes still open. Staring out at Nick. As if asking him… ”Why me dad? I couldn’t even live long enough to say I love you… Why me? Why so soon dad?”

Gilbert’s soul heard the harshest, loudest scream. Nick’s scream. Nick was crying wildly. And so was Gilbert’s soul.

Nothing could be done now. Gilbert saw the child’s soul leave his body for the "Abode". He could not gather the courage to look at the child’s questioning eyes. For, he had no answer. And yes, it was Gilbert that was responsible for the child’s death. It was Gilbert that was responsible for the tragedy.

Gilbert’s soulship had to depart now. He so wanted to stay with Nick. He so wanted to hug his great grandson and offer an apology. But, he couldn’t. All his life when he was alive, he had taken things for granted. And now, the child died for his great grandson could not afford a bottle of pure distilled water.

If only he was wiser when he lived.

If only their generation had realized the importance of water!

The barbaric fools that they were!