Of Life, Death, and the Sweet Hereafter

Kierra awoke... awoke from a dream? A nightmare? She- she couldn't recall. She couldn't remember what it was she couldn't recall.

Her eyes fluttered open silently, like butterflies on the wind. Despite the confusion, Kierra awoke peacefully. Her heartbeat calm and steady, her head clear and her mind rested.

Light shone through the window on which her head had rested against. Soft yet bright, as though she were looking at the sunset from above the clouds.

Kierra lifted her eyes to the scenery around her. A beautiful train car filled with thick, padded seats. Plants and flowers hung against the walls in little, light planters- their greenery and colors that of the likes Kierra had never seen.

A man, dressed finely in a blue conductor's suit, stood beside Kierra's row of seats, which happened to be at the far back-end of the car. He was turned around, watering the tiny plants with a petite watering can.

"Excuse me, sir?" She turned to him, whispering as to maintain the peaceful silence, "Where are we?"

The man turned, smiling brightly. "On the train, of course. It's good to see you're finally awake for the journey."

"The journey where?"

"Well-" He stuttered, then laughed. "I guess I don't rightly know. I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance."

"What about tickets? Do I need to show you mine?" Kierra patted her pockets, but she had nothing. "Oh..."

"It's not necessary, Ma'am. Enjoy the ride- it won't be long now." With that, the man turned back to his flowers.

"Thank you."

Kierra sat up in her seat, peering over the top like a little kid. It hadn't been so long since Kierra was a little kid, riding the train with her dad. The memories seemed foggy now... hazy.

There were others on the train. Some asleep, as Kierra had been, and others who gazed out their windows. Kierra recognized no one.

"You can go speak to them," The conductor said, leaning over, "After all, you're all going to the same place."

Kierra smiled genuinely as she slipped from her seat. She turned for her bag, only to stop short- it wasn't there. An old, torn satchel her mom had bought her for her freshman year of high school. Always, she had it with her.

"Weird..." She said more to herself than anyone else.

The train car was chilled, like the air conditioning had been turned to high, as Kierra began slowly walking down the aisle. Few people- there were few people who filled this car.

Young and old- those off all identities. Kierra found no distaste between them, no feuding amongst those she would've assumed had conflict. Nothing mattered here, they were only people.

She passed a young woman. Her uniform Kierra recognized as that of a Marine. Medals of rank adorned the left of her chest, and an American flag proudly shown on her arm.

Across from her, in the same row, was a gentleman. Just as his neighbor, he looked from his window, that soft light glinting on his dark face. His clothes were small- his top only covering his chest and his shorts cut off at the top of his thighs.

Kierra continued.

A woman sat alone two seats forward. Her hijab was a beautiful, deep-blue. The same color baby sling carefully wrapped over her shoulder was empty.

Two boys sat together a few rows along. A scrawny boy, bald and a few years young than his friend. They spoke together quietly, laughing and giggling without worry.

"They know one another from the hospital," A raspy voice spoke from the other row beside them as Kierra passed.

Kierra turned to him.

An elderly man, whose hair had turned white long ago and face had succumbed to age. His eyes... they were the most beautiful hazel color Kierra had ever seen. It was as though she could see him- see his soul- all through the color of his eyes.

"The hospital?"

The older man patted the empty seat next to him. Kierra took it gently, pulling her legs into the seat with her.

"Yes, I remember seeing them in the hospital together. Little fighters, they are- always looking for another adventure. I remember when Halloween came 'round. Inseparable, they are."

Kierra furrowed, tucking her hands beneath her thighs. "Does that mean you're from the hospital too?"

The man shook his head. "Long-term patient there for sometime. It's good to be away from there."

"I still don't think I understand though... where is here?"

"I don't know."

"Do you know where we're going."

"No." He paused, his eyes turning soft. "But I believe my wife will be there, and my dog. I've been waiting to see them for sometime now."

Kierra shook her head as though that would help this all make sense. As if the man could understand her thoughts, he said, "Darling, what's the last thing you remember?"

"I...I was walking to my car after work, I think. At the movie theater- I had a late shift."

He nodded. "I'm sorry, young one. Some of us..." He glanced to the boys. "Well, we've had some time to get used to the idea of all this. It must be a bit strange for you."

Kierra tried to smile, though it didn't seem to reach her eyes this time. "Thank you," was all she said as she stood, aiming for her seat.

"Attention, all passengers. We have one more stop, then we will be arriving shortly at our destination. Please be seated, and thank you for riding with us today."

"I guess now would be the time, wouldn't it?" The woman in the row across from Kierra spoke. Her accent was heavy, and her voice smooth. Her headwrap stood tall made of glorious red and yellows.

"Time for what?"

"Time to decide if we're going to exit the train or not."

Kierra sat up, hugging her knees to her chest as she questioningly looked to the woman. "We can leave?"

"Some of us, but not others. I'm sure you can understand why that isn't an option for all."

"What happens if I don't get off the train?"

"I don't think we're allowed to know that answer quite yet."

"What if I stop the train? What if we never get to our destination?"

The woman only raised her brows. "This train stops for nothing- we will make it whether we all want to be here or not." The woman pinched her lips, looking to Kierra with sorrow. "You remember what happened, don't you?"

The car- Kierra had left the theater after eleven when her shift ended. Ryan had called out, it had just been herself walking.

She hadn't seen the man waiting... she hadn't seen him or his friend. The car hadn't unlocked fast enough. She hadn't gotten away fast enough...

Calmness filled her in the train car, settling the feelings of horror that beckoned to rise from her stomach.

"It's not fair- why doesn't everyone get the choice? Why only me? What happens if I decide to get off and leave the rest of you?"

"I never lied to my children, child, so I won't lie to you. If you decide to get off at the last station, I don't reckon what waits for you is easy. I can't fathom the choices and decisions you will have to make, or the hardships you may go through. I can't tell you it will be worth it, because I do not know."

"However," the woman continued, "I am going to tell you the same thing my mother said to me- you cannot allow yourself to be lost because of another's decisions. Your life is your own, and though its direction is not always our choice, what we do with our time is. It is those words that drove me to leave the first time, and words that I hope you'll allow to give you comfort now."

Kierra's eyes widened,. "You've been here before?"

"Once," she said, "When I had my second child, it was... it was a difficult birth. My time had not been wasted, but I knew my time was not yet up."

"Does that mean you're going to leave at the next stop?"

The woman sadly smiled, "As I said, not all of us have that decision to make."

"But what do I do?" Kierra asked, desperate. "What should I choose?"

"Arriving. Please remain in your seats for the final destination."

Kierra looked around the car- no one stood. When she returned her attention, the woman was gazing from the window.

Her choice.

It was Kierra's choice.

The train halted, and would stay in the station for only moments.

Kierra looked to the door, then to the light in the window, then back to the door.

It was then she decided, and though the consequences were unknown, Kierra couldn't help but smile.