Carrie.
"It's okay, Pops, we're right here."
Why was everybody crying?
Where was Carrie?
"We're here, Daddy."
Carrie?
I could see her, next to my bed.
"Carrie, you there?"
"No. No, Daddy, it's Georgie."
Georgie?
Where was Carrie?
Oh, there she was!
She was smiling and young, her eyes sparkling and nose wrinkled. Hey, Jackie, she said. It looks like you're ready.
"I am, Apple. I think I am."
I think you are, too. She sighed, then stretched out her hand to me. I think you are, too.
"Are you taking me there?"
Yes, Jackie, come on now. She laughed. A machine somewhere next to me beeped. You're always late to everything, but we've really got to go now.
"Yes, yes... you're right. You've always been right."
Say goodbye to everyone, Jackie. You won't be able to see them for a little while.
Oh. Of course. "Georgie? Frank?"
"Yeah, Dad, we're here, we're here."
"I think... I think I've gotta go."
Somebody laughed, then sniffled. They were crying. "Yeah, Pops. Yeah."
"I mean, I'm pretty old now."
That laugh again. "Ancient, Pops. Real ancient."
I smiled. "A mummy."
Come along, now. You're wasting time.
"I love you."
"We love you too."
I love you too.
YOU ARE READING
My Apple's Smile
قصص عامةAn old Japanese myth tells that you're reborn with the face of the person you loved in your past life. As you reenter the world, looking again for love as a new person with an empty memory, you wear your old love's face in a final sign of devotion t...
