*Hey, can you hear me?* *Why haven't you, woke up yet?* *You're not responding. *Maybe, I'll try some other time.*
{Yawns}
I'm pretty sure I heard someone whispering something to me. I wonder what that was? I don't think it's important, right now?
I look towards my alarm. It hasn't even gone off yet.
I see. I awoke earlier than usual.
I pull the covers off and got up. Standing on my feet, I walk towards the stairs and sniff the air. Mother is cooking. I make my way down and with each step, the aroma grows stronger.
Mom stops what she's doing, when she sees me.
"Good morning, son.
Good morning, mom.
"Sit, I'm almost done with breakfast."
I took a seat.
And rested my arms on the table. Patiently waiting for food. I look out the window to distract myself. The more drawn I am to the window, the quicker my inner thoughts, redirect my focus.
I wonder if, my colleague was sent here as well. I mean we both essentially died the same way, but I think it could be possible that he's here. Maybe I should look for...
"Hey buddy, are you alright? You seemed to be deep in thought. I'm sorry if, I interrupted something?"
I looked in her direction and smiled.
"Yes, I'm alright. I was just thinking about something quite sad."
"What do you mean?"
"Mom, when the people of this world die, how do they know that, they will be saved by Jesus?"
She paused for a second. But responded with...
"Well, Sotaro. All of us living in this world are born sinners but that doesn't mean we have to allow a life of sin, to be our fate. Just remember this son, that the wages of sin is death."
"I do know, that the wages of sin is death but what does that really mean?"
"It means that your sin will lead you to death, but not a typical one; a spiritual one. It is a restriction, fleshly desires take control of your life and will keep you from ever coming to, The Father."
"Thanks, mom. I needed to hear that."
And with a wide grin on her face, she responded. "Of course, always happy to help."
Mom handed me a plate of food and said, "eat up."
I could tell she was in a good mood, because she started humming after I had asked her about how to know if you will be saved by Jesus.
The food was good, really good but there was this feeling, I couldn't shake. Emptiness.
Empty in the sense, of not knowing where I can find my colleague. I don't want to consider the fact that even though both of us died; I'll be the only one to enjoy this new life and have another chance to get my life right.
No, I shouldn't be thinking or feeling like I'm devoid of something. Like I'm missing a piece of myself.
I can't say if, we will ever cross paths but I do know that as, I continue to improve my life in this world then he may very well be doing the same thing.