Splat!


Darkness reigned and then silence.

Thu-thump

Slow, only a single report but it was enough to bring on bright light, chaos. There was immense heat, his skin sizzled where it touched the wood that he was laying upon. Voices tangled and weaved in unintelligible sounds that started with a whisper and ended with a loud roar.

And then silence once again. Darkness was back, more deep and all engulfing.

Hours, days, weeks. Time was of no significance, of no tangible meaning.

Light, bright as the mid-day sun. It burned gently, except for his eyes. Water rained from them onto a cool, feather soft pillow. ?Where am I??

?Heaven,? a soft voice, a feminine voice whispered on the wind. ?Open your eyes, sleepy head. You've been asleep for some time.?

And he did. He opened his eyes and stared at the cerulean blue sky and became aware of two very important things: his chest hurt and so did his head. ?How did I get here?? he groaned.


Darkness.

Thu-Thump

?It is almost ready,? a deep baritone voice spoke.
?Yes, doctor,? another male, tenor.

The darkness receded, not quickly as it had before, but in slow shades of dull grays, browns and greens. There was a bright light off in the distance. He had no want or need to go to the light. It was coming to him.

Gasp of breath and his eyes fly open.

Beep-beep-beep

?It's looking good!?
?Excellent work, Doctor!?

Another gasping of breath and it tasted sweet. He held it in his lungs for as long as he could before expelling it back into the atmosphere.

Beep-beep-beep