The Door Beyond The Pearly Gates…

There was only one rule: don’t open the door. That’s what the angel told me when I first crossed over.

He floated with majestic grace, as we passed through pearly gates. A lush land with food, fruits, wine, and beautiful lakes.

“Congratulations you’ve made it, anything here is yours, just never open that door.”

With that he faded away. Time passed there was no pain, not even a foul smell, just delicious food, rest, and peace. Yet boredom still set in. Each day I stared at the door, as it seemingly glared back taunting and tormenting me.

Emptiness and monotony gnawed at me, I was at a breaking point when she appeared. She was perfect, silent, and submissive. I had my way with her whenever I wished, but even that felt meaningless.

That’s when she spoke. “You know what’s behind that door, God’s gift, it’s yours. He’s jealous we can’t partake. It’s only for humans. Angels are mere servants and playthings.”

I fought temptation at first, but one day I had to know. I ran at the door, swinging it open. Darkness enveloped me, the woman hissed and laughed. Turning into a snake she slithered away. I felt the angel speaking behind me. “No, you were so close!”

Falling into the darkness, I shouted back. “If that was heaven, so be it. A paradise of boredom and tedium. Unending emptiness has plagued me since crossing over. I’ll take my chances with the door. Besides she already told me what’s behind it.”

The angel laughed. “Oh no, you’ve fallen for deception. You were not in heaven, you were in purgatory, but you failed. There’s no gift, only pain….”

His words trailed off as a burning sensation overcame me. All grew dark, and the only sound was the echo of my cries.