Daylight streamed through tinted, double-story windows. The lobby, long and winding, was punctuated by smiling greeters in bright polos stationed in loose squads. In grids of mock-mod couches and stiff chairs sat mothers with babies, waiting volunteers, and general stragglers.
Ray stared up at one of the big HD screens suspended diagonally above. There he watched The Pastor dart quickly back-and-forth on stage, extremely light-footed for a man of his size.
“Your relationships,” echoed the man of God’s voice through hidden speaker boxes all around, “are your greatest assets. It’s not more time at the office or making it up the next rung on the ladder . . . not even your God-given calling or ministry, as we talked about last time. None of those things will concern you when you sense your time to leave this world drawing near. All you’ll see will be the faces of your loved ones, I promise you. And hopefully you’ll be able to say you gave them everything you had while you still could. Even your relationship with God can’t be right if you carry ought in your heart toward your neighbor. And you know this! Hey, you want to see what breaks fellowship with God quicker than anything? Try praying or worshiping while holding a grudge . . . can’t be done!”
A few of Ray’s fellow lobby-listeners vocalized their agreement in a buzz of soft, low groans, some bubbling up to sound out in a full “Yeah!” or “Amen!”
Ray nodded without moving, feeling warmth of pending tears creeping through behind his eyes. He was dimly aware of the not-a-persons surrounding him like a sea seen sideways through blinding fog.
The Psychologist’s job must be so rewarding. To help people fit better with themselves and each other.
There was something about the way The Psychologist could just sit and listen so calmly, saying only ever what was needed.
Such a great way to be. Maybe one day…
Suddenly, a violent whoosh sounded to Ray’s right, wrenching his attention from both high screen and hopeful thoughts. He turned to watch in disbelief as blankets of fog fell apart and dropped, sliced right down the middle as if by a blade.
Then came a flash of black and red in place of steady gray. He saw a man moving like a current toward the big glass doors leading out to the main hallway. He did not see a face, but dark fire seemed to course from the stranger in all directions, torturing and consuming every not-a-person it touched, reducing them to writhing wisps of chaos, then nothing.
I have to tell The Pastor!
I don't know anything 