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Lingering on the Water's Edge

The afterlife appears differently to all who enter.

By Sarah TinneyPublished 6 months ago 1 min read
Photo by Artem Sapegin on Unsplash

The Ancient Greeks were closest in their vision of the afterlife — a river, a ferryman, and judgement on the other side. But before crossing, the River Styx appeared differently to each soul, shaped by their life.

For history lecturer Matthew, the river appeared cloaked in mist, with a castle peeking above the forest on the far shore.

Davey, the skydiver, saw white-water rapids while Bill, the lawyer, would cross the river on a million-dollar yacht. Jess was excited to ride a Pokémon across the river.

They still had to pay the ferryman, but not with money. Charon wanted to hear their most valuable life lesson. Those on the shore were still thinking. Analysing their lives to find the answer.

Weeks passed as Matthew watched others cross. For now, he lingered at the water’s edge, content to reflect on his life. Judgment would come soon enough.

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