Beyond

To the left, in the corner of her eye. She saw it again. That luminescent green light. It was always just a flicker in her peripheral vision, she couldn't quite catch it with her eye. This time however as she turned her head to glimpse at the light, it came into full view. It brightened, growing in intensity the longer she stared at it. The light, as vivid as the Aurora Borealis began to encompass her body. She felt peace, warmth, and a deep satisfaction in the core of her being. Soon, she became enveloped in the glow. And within minutes, she was gone.

Ever since she had returned from beyond that veil, her life just didn't feel the same. She felt out of place and as though she no longer belonged in this world. Once she knew what her life could have been, who she could have been with; the choice to come back was overwhelming.

He had died in a tragic accident years before. And while they had led separate lives, she missed him dearly. The news of his passing had devastated her. But when she crossed into that glow, he was waiting for her.

He embraced her. Pulling her in close and holding her tightly. She relished in the sensation, and the comfort that it brought her. They spoke no words during the time she spent there. He had shown her the beauty of that place, and told her she could stay with him if she truly wanted. And she had wanted to, desperately and undeniably wanted to.

But she had a family back home. What could happen if she didn't return? She knew she couldn't leave the life she had built behind. Not for this purgatory, this achingly beautiful place. It tore her apart to make that choice. But she had to. She kissed him goodbye, and he understood. She ventured toward that now familiar green light in the distance. And as she crossed through the iridescence, he slowly faded away.