Chapter 2

Henry was dumbfounded.

Adam, the first man, just did that? Henry Thought.

Henry's mind started spinning. The tremendous high of arriving in heaven with such tender spirits as Emily, and such comforting power as Sera, and stupendous architecture, lush green pastures, also had…. Sin? Henry pushed that thought aside for a moment, violently shaking his head once to the side before facing forward and taking a deep breath.

The sound of Sera chastising Adam was coming through the door. Though Henry couldn't decipher any words, the tone in her voice was clear. This got Henry thinking further:

If Adam is capable of sin worthy to be confronted over, then my sin must also remain.

Henry began retracing his steps through this large building. Despite getting lost, he had no deadlines or responsibilities. Since the building was relatively empty, it gave him time to think further. Henry dove into his emotions to test them. He felt hurt, annoyed, even resentment. These were all things that he had thought were incompatible with heaven.

Well, I guess that confirms purgatory isn't real. Henry mused. Henry furrows his eyebrow as it dawns upon him. Even in heaven, among the Lord's hosts and perfect supplication, I am still drawn to be concerned for myself. Adam may have acted rudely, but his effect on me has revealed my heart is no more perfect than his.

Henry continued thinking, passing more and more tapestries. Henry then had a moment of clarity. Many of these pieces were artistic in nature, but many were also depicting earth's history.

Where is Jesus? Henry thought, going from tapestry to statue to banner.

Henry looked and looked, but the closest depiction he could find had the twelve disciples around a man whose back protruded phantasmal angel wings.

If this was an angel protecting Jesus, I think it would show this man surrounded by angels, not being an angel… Henry thought perplexed.

Before he knew it, he had wondered his way to the main foyer of the courthouse. Henry considered staying to look for more answers, but he desired to stop worrying and enjoy his afterlife just a little bit more. He made his way across the street to the building Sera had pointed out to him, and as he went to open the door it opened on its own. The interior was oddly furnished like a lavish apartment rather than an apartment commons room or hotel lobby, moreover, the room seemed to be getting bigger.

Henry looked all around and realized the room wasn't getting bigger, he was just… pulled in. He turned around and saw a closed door. Henry smirked, feeling a childish sense of wonder at the contraption. It appears the building knew where he was going and… led him there.

As Henry walked inside, it was like a collection of all his favorite things had been brought to one place. The room had a classy yet rustic design, like a picturesque cabin. The furniture was made of dark wood and forest green. The ceiling displayed the cosmos wheeling overhead, and as Henry focused on particular aspects they would come into focus. Henry needed to see more.

Henry concentrated his memory on the Pillars of Creation, or a bunch of gas clouds in space that looked pretty. The ceiling spun quickly, orienting itself towards a point in space before seemingly accelerating forward to show… Nothing. There was clearly stars here and there but…

Ohhh they must have dispersed decades ago and we can just see the light from earth. As Henry thought this, the scene reversed, going back in time. Years flashed by in an instant until the gases recollected into the image he had seen from his memory on earth. The spectacle was brilliant, far more than a photo could ever capture.

A tear fell from each of his eyes, and he looked down to wipe them away. When he opened his eyes again, he realized that another one of heaven's gifts lay for him on his bed. It was Henry's only 3-piece suit from earth. Henry smiled and reached for it, but at that moment it leapt from the bed and began snaking around his skin and almost ripped itself apart to sew itself back on Henry's body.

Henry laughed in delight. The fabric was softer than he remembered and fitted more perfectly than before. Henry kept looking around and a large armchair caught his attention. He walks to it and feels the wonderful quality of the leather, and it feels like the perfect temperature to the touch. As Henry sits in it, it is like his whole-body melts perfectly into it. Henry breathes one long content sigh of happiness.

Henry looks over to the table next to it and sees a book. He feels foolish for looking at all those tapestries when he had the book here that Sera told him about. I've had a lot to process today, I'd understand if someone else forgot. He thought.

Henry begins flipping through the pages, finding information about the various events and services provided by heaven. He sees a lot of helpful information for settling into heaven, as well as many activities that he'd enjoy. There's even a section that explains all the applied sciences in a way that anyone can understand. But there's still no mention of God or Jesus.

Henry was beginning to feel fearful, but once again elected for the benefit of the doubt. I bet Emily would know.

Henry looked in the book for how to contact her, finding a page that came with a golden page and a pen. Henry writes:

"I can't seem to find the answer to a question. If you can spare the time, would you mind if I ask you in person?"

The words faded into the page, leaving it blank again.

Hm… I bet the message is sent and the page is reusable. I'd like to see those rolling hills again, may as well have a walk to clear my head.

Henry leaves his new home and begins walking until he leaves the inner city, pushing onwards. In any other circumstance, he would want to go speak with all the residents of heaven that he knew about from history, but he wasn't really feeling inclined. It had been a long day.