Long Sleep

(Picture is of my good self)

In a household somewhere amongst the mountains...

The clouds were drifting across the skies. Some were skirting the mountains, giving an air of mystery. All was still. There in one of the valleys, a crowd of people surrounded one of the houses. Inside, in one of the bedchambers, Elizabeth and Anne were sitting at a bed. Bill was there too, along with young Nick. And one or two others. They were all attending to Paul, who was laying face upwards in bed.

Elizabeth: “Don’t fight it Paul. I prevailed, and so shall you.”

Paul: “I feel so tired.”

Bill: “Don’t fight it Paul. You will soon see us again.”

Paul: “Love you all. Must I go?”

Elizabeth: “Everyone must. But look at me!”

Paul: “So tired.”

And Paul drifted away, like the clouds above.

Presently everyone stepped outside and a priest made some reassuring words. After a while people went back to their pursuits. Bill ushered Nick away.

Nick: “What is Earth?”

Bill: “That’s difficult, Nick. They say it’s a place like here: with mountains, valleys, streams, sky, just as real.”

Nick: “Must everyone go there, in the long sleep?”

Bill: “’Fraid so, Nick. They say it’s an essential part of our maturing, our education. It’s for spiritual growth.”

Nick: “When will Paul awaken?”

Bill: “I’ve no idea. They reckon he has been reborn now, in a whole new baby body. Mind you some don’t get that far. But let’s not talk about that. It can be anything from one to a hundred or so years. Elizabeth woke up only last year. She only slept for just over sixty years.”

Nick: “But what if Phil and I enter the long sleep before Paul awakens?”

Bill: “Then you will both share with him his experiences on Earth.”

Nick: “But will he not awaken before us two?”

Bill: “All being well, yes. That would be most fitting.”

Nick: “I’m sure Joan is older than us though.”

Bill: “Yes, she is approaching the time. The long sleep will soon be upon her. And a few others like Martin, Jeanette... Everyone must go through it, just the once.”

“Nick: “I hear some go through it many times!”

Bill: “Yes I’ve heard that too. But it’s just a rumour. As far as I’m concerned you ‘die’ twice: once in the long sleep, and finally when you reawaken.”

Nick: “Why don’t the sleepers starve though?”

Bill: “They are in complete suspended animation lad. But that’s enough talk of sleep. It’s time to get those chickens fed!”

So off they went...

Out of the blue a young man about the same age as Nick approached them.

Young man: “Hello I’m Michael. I just heard about Paul going to sleep. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Bill: “Thankyou Michael. I think we have everything covered.”

Michael: “Have you made any arrangements to watch Paul’s progress in his life on Earth?”

Bill: “Yes thanks. Though Nick is too young for that sort of thing.”

Michael: “Too young? Well I know he’s only about a year younger than me. I’ve been to many Viewings. Anyroad, are you Bill?”

Bill: “Yes, why?”

Michael: “Well, they say Paul’s father on Earth is your grandson Pete, and his mother is Louisa...”

Bill: “Thanks lad, but I’d rather see for myself.”

Michael: “Well, give it another twenty years or so and Nick and I will enter the long sleep ourselves. I’ve got loads of projects in mind. But hey, I’m delaying you. Better go and have a look at Paul there.”

Nick: “In his sleep?”

Michael: “Oh yes. But don’t forget, it is only for so long.”

With that Michael shot away, up the hill.

Paul Butters

Dedicated to MPA (Most Popular Article), Triond writer who re-awakened in 2011 after just thirty years.