Someday
He's gone…He's finally gone…
Téa Gardner was lying on her bed, letting the tears slowly drop onto her pillow. She and the others had just returned from their trip to Egypt; all the time on the plane, in the airport, on the ride home she'd been able to maintain a happy face, not wanting the others to even get a hint that she greatly hurt inside. Now that she was alone, however, she felt free to finally let her true feelings flow.
I knew this day was coming…I knew he'd eventually have to go to the spirit world…so why does it still feel shocking?
A silly question, she knew. She'd always been hoping that it would nearly never happen; that it was just impossible. Nothing should have been able to break them apart, not even death considering he was already technically dead.
She lifted her head up, her deep blue eyes slightly red and puffy. That's the point, Téa…he was a spirit…he wasn't supposed to be here…he had to go to the other side…Her head plopped back down on the pillow again. It still doesn't seem fair…I'm never going to see him again…
The image once again ran through her mind which she'd been trying to get rid of ever since they'd left Pharaoh Atem's resting place. Atem walking through the door, transforming back into the Pharaoh he once was, entering the beautiful shining light and vanishing within. She could still remember every detail of him…his spiky tri-colored hair…his narrowed, deep violet eyes…his deep, commanding voice…if she tried hard enough, she could almost imagine him standing right next to her…
Téa?
She glanced back up again. For one moment, she could have sworn that she heard him speaking, but that was impossible…wasn't it?
She suddenly sensed another, incredibly peaceful and loving presence in the room. She couldn't actually see anyone, but she could feel them kneeling down by the side of her bed, watching her with saddened eyes. A hand with rings on its fingers gently ran them through her hair, then caressed her cheek.
Téa, please don't cry…Atem's voice spoke as though he was everywhere in the room, his spirit filling the place with his presence. I've been able to finally find peace…I've met up with my deceased family, all of my friends…I miss you and all of our friends dearly, yes, but here is where I truly belong…
Téa's tears increased in intensity. I know, I know…but it still hurts…
Of course it does…She heard an underlying smile in his voice. But please believe me…we aren't going to be separated for all eternity…someday we'll all be together again…it's just not your time yet…you have many, many great things you still need to do on this earth…so please, my dear, don't dwell on this anymore…go on…live the rest of your life to its fullest…and when it's over, I promise…I'll be there to greet you when you come…
She felt an otherworldly kiss on her cheek. Goodbye…
Slowly, the presence faded away. The feeling of peace and love, however, didn't. Téa slowly rose up from her bed and wiped the tears away from her eyes. For the first time since she'd left the Pharaoh's chamber, a smile appeared on her face that was completely genuine.
Thank you, Atem…She reached her hand up and delicately touched the cheek he'd kissed. She could still feel the love and peace he given her in that simple yet incredibly powerful gesture. Goodbye…
In loving memory of my father.