Looking Back For Going Ahead
The memory slowly faded, Cathie’s smile likewise fading as she was pulled back to reality. Though, ‘reality’ was the wrong word for this strange, seemingly undefined space.
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Prompt from DailyPrompt.com
The memory slowly faded, Cathie’s smile likewise fading as she was pulled back to reality. Though, ‘reality’ was the wrong word for this strange, seemingly undefined space. ‘A liminal realm’, whatever that meant.
She sighed. Absently dusted off her hands. Murmured “I suppose we really ought to be getting on.”
“We are beyond time, here.” Death said amiably. “You can wait until you’re ready.”
It had been a great relief to find that the Reaper, far from being grim, was actually a quietly kind sort. Cold, yes. Distant. Not someone you’d go to for a comforting hug. But an excellent listener.
“I appreciate that. But…” Cathie frowned and shook her head, struggling to put this into words. “I don’t think watching these memories is helping me get ready. They’re nice, I do feel much better now, but I think it’s sliding into procrastinating. Which is a dreadful habit of mine. Er, was? No, I suppose I’m still doing it, so…” She trailed off into an impatient huff. “See? Always waffling. My daughter would be having a right go at me, right now.”
“I’d hope she’d understand you needing to adjust…”
“Oh, it’d be a loving go.” Cathie assured them with a fond smile. “They always were. Bless her. It did me good, and she knew it. So.”
She squared her shoulders and pensively stared down the waiting void. Like the Reaper, it turned out to be far more polite and patient than she’d expected. Still a daunting prospect, though. Especially since apparently she couldn’t be told what was on the other side.
Assuming it had another side. Typical, the one time Marcus’s mathematical babbling might have been helpful…
Woolgathering again. Clearly she needed a plan. Compose a list, make sure it starts with an easy item, then just don’t let yourself stop once you have momentum. That was the way.
Cathie decided “I’ll watch the last family gathering again, and treat it as saying goodbye to each of them. Then… I think I’ll be ready as I can be.”
Death inclined their head. Despite not being able to see a hint of face, Cathie felt reassuringly confident that they approved.
So she turned back to the floating cloud of orbs and held out her hand. The memory she wanted readily dropped into her palm, and she buried her attention in it. Focus on her loved ones. Remember them as they were. Cherish them.
And then… go on ahead. Methodically, with a plan, and even in good time, it being they were outside of such concerns right now. She liked to think they’d all be proud of her for that.
Prompt was “Write from the perspective of someone looking back at their memories after death”.