Chapter 4: Ryan Daley
Ryan Daley looked at his surroundings in Jerusalem. He felt so happy to be back on Earth and reunited with the Young Tribulation Force members he knew personally, especially Judd, Vicki, and Lionel. Though Ryan had enjoyed heaven and had not been tired or exhausted there, he was looking forward to see how the millennial kingdom would look like now that Jesus had returned and destroyed the Global Community.
Ryan had mixed feelings about his departure from the world. Part of him felt bad, as he wanted to survive in order to see the Glorious Appearing. Another part of him felt relieved, as he was able to enjoy the benefits of heaven. Ryan had also died long before the Global Community began forcing citizens to take the mark of loyalty. Ryan was so glad he wasn't there to witness any of that, not to mention the gruesome beheadings.
Also, Ryan was able to speak to Bruce Barnes again in heaven. It was quite a tearful reunion.
Bruce introduced Ryan to his family. Ryan was overjoyed to see his uncle and aunt in heaven. Ryan also was able to meet Tsion Ben-Judah's stepchildren. Ryan had many talks with fallen Young Tribulation Force members Chaya Stein and John Preston.
Ryan had the privilege of meeting Nada for the first time in heaven. She seemed so brave and humble. She enjoyed listening to Ryan's story about his adventures during the Tribulation. Ryan seemed amused to find out she and Judd were in a romantic relationship.
Ryan had sometimes missed out on many of the activities of the Young Tribulation Force because of his age. How Ryan had hated being the second-youngest member of the Young Tribulation Force. Ryan was never able to attend Nicolae Carpathia High School. Most of the action and excitement for the Young Tribulation Force occurred in that school.
Now, because of the state of his glorified body, Ryan was no longer the "little guy". Ryan was looking like a man in his mid-twenties. He was looking more older, more mature, and more self-aware.
Ryan had been spending more time with Darrion Stahley lately. Ryan had missed her presence during his time in heaven, and he knew Darrion felt likewise.
Ryan had talked with her parents in heaven. He knew they would approve of her friendship with him. Ryan had really helped Darrion. If it wasn't for him, she may not have survived to the Glorious Appearing or even became a believer.
Ryan and Darrion hugged each other tightly when they reunited.
"Ryan, it feels so good to see you again", Darrion said.
"I feel the same way, Darrion", Ryan said.
Ryan had enjoyed reuniting with the other original members of the Young Tribulation Force. He felt so elated to see Phoenix again. But Ryan also enjoyed meeting the other Young Tribulation Force members that became believers after his death. Ryan met Conrad Graham, whom he later found out was the younger brother of Taylor Graham and was also in a romantic relationship with Shelly. Ryan met Charlie, who had taken care of Phoenix after Ryan's death. Ryan and Charlie talked for a few hours about their experiences. Ryan talked about what it was like in heaven, and Charlie described the adventures of the Young Tribulation Force after the Wrath of the Lamb earthquake.
To make a long story short, Ryan was enjoying the millennial kingdom so far. Ryan knew the Other Light would pose as a problem, but he knew that the believers would have nothing to worry about. Everything would be just fine.