Hand in hand, Thackery and Emily had walked straight into the light of morning, finally being free of their earthly mistakes and desperation.
And before they knew it, they stood in a small grey room, made of just stone and mist. Thackery's fingers slipped from hers as he slowly stepped forward, and began circling the room in complete wonder. He touched the stone with hesitation and once he felt it was as light and cool as air, he drew his pale had away, inspecting it.
Had he lost all feeling?
What is this place? Limbo? Purgatory? Or something much worse?
"Thackery," Emily said suddenly with relief, raising her little arm up. "There! I see them, I see the Golden Gates!"
He rushed back to her side and followed her gaze. She was pointing straight ahead of her, laughing mildly, but he saw nothing but the same barrier of the old runes.
"I cannot see anything," he told her.
She lifted her happy blue eyes to him. "I must go now. Mother is waiting for me, brother."
"Mother?" he gasped, "but why cannot I not s—"
"She says another door is soon on the way. We shall visit you in time."
And with a soft white breeze, his sister was gone. She simply vanished without a further word.
"Emily?" he called out in vain, searching for a sign. Something.
How long am I to be a stranded soul?
Did Dani's rescue mean nothing to the balance of all things? He cared for her and looked out for her as long as he was able to! Even if his own mortal life was hazy and broken, that he remembers clearly. Somehow Dani's face was seared into him. He had worked so hard to save her life.
If Emily was granted the Enteral Peace, what shall become of me now?
Thackery turned in place once more, not knowing what else to do with himself, seeking for movement or even a way out of this place.
He opened his mouth, and hesitated. If he were to shout out a name, what one could he use? His family could not help him. Thackery doubted that anyone could hear him.
Would he dare call on God? Were His promises all lies? What was false and what was real?
He felt a lingering sense of insecurity cling to him. What was the Afterlife really like?
More minutes passed by—he was sure it had only been a few minutes, even though it seemed more like hours—alright, maybe a day at most.
Then, at last, he heard something!
And it came toward him upon swift golden wings. Large feathers grazed the back if his clothes as the phantom spiraled around him. Thackery tried to catch a full glimpse of it, but it soared away in a bold flash.
The fluttering beast in the air released a piercing, proud cry, making him realizing it must be an eagle.
Thackery looked to the misty sky above him where the bird disappeared to and then when his eyes fell on another door that had shown itself.
Just as Emily had foretold!
This door however did not resemble his idea of what the Heavenly Golden Gates should've been.
Nay, his door was tall and narrow and crafted out of wood, decorated with blue and red paints.
The single metal doorknob bolted in the middle was very archaic-looking.
Thackery moved closer as soon as he noticed there was a Greek saying engraved into the arched frame on top: Η γενναία πρέπει να επιβραβεύονται.
"The valiant shall be rewarded," a bodiless voice recited.
The voice was low and stately, stern yet satisfied, like a gentle roll of thunder.
And with one last step forward, the door pried open itself and a warm bright light swallowed him whole.
A mere instant later, Thackery found himself gazing out upon the vast, luxurious and gracious Fields spreading before him.