Finally Coming Home

With one collapsed lung and a bleeding heart, his last breath escaped from his lips. He waited for cold and darkness to swallow him, taking his borrowed life. Instead he felt something ignite inside him, spreading warmth through his body. His heart started pulsing, strength coursing in his veins, filling him with life he thought he'd lost.

Opening his eyes, he found himself standing before tall, majestic gates with spires that glistened with gold. Everything in the place emanated light, radiating like the sun. But the strange brightness did not pierce the eyes nor burned the skin. Rather it felt as though the light cleansed him, reaching into the depths of his soul.

Enrobed with light, he shone like the rest of them. Joy that he had never experienced before filled his being, rousing his undiscovered gift of song. His heart offered a melody of praise, blending with the chorus that resonated from the other enlightened beings.

He took unguarded steps in that curiously familiar place, mesmerized by the brightest Light of all. The powerful Light every corner of the place, shining brighter than anything he had ever seen—and yet, his eyes were able to see without needing to squint. He approached closer, the Light, with the kindest smiling eyes, offering an inviting glow.

In an unprecedented gesture, the Light stretched forth his arms and lovingly wrapped him in a tight embrace. In a moment, all his trepidations vanished and he felt peace blossoming from his core.

As he felt the last molecule of doubt fading into nothing, he realized he has found home, at last.