In the Light

It was Dia de Muertos. A day that normally didn’t matter to Steven Jess or Jay.Three completely different people who didn’t even know each other existed.

Steven was a accountant for DuPont.Jess was a student at Drexel University.Jay however was dead.They all resided in Philadelphia even Jay.Jay lived in an old church cemetery. Every week his sister would visit the grave site and leave marigolds because she read they represent joy and optimism.She felt even in death one should be optimistic.Optimistic that the deceased went to heaven if nothing else.

Jess was a troubled soul.She designed clothes that had a darkness about them.As if she was able to capture the negative emotions that festered inside of her and weave them through the fabric.She would stare at an old withered marigold her mom once gave her.Then out of no where lightening would strike and she would manifest a new masterpiece.

Steven all though thankful to have his job didn’t find much purpose in it.What he did find joy in was gardening.He was especially good at growing marigolds.He planted garden after garden for family friends and even strangers that hired him for his expertise.

Today was no ordinary day and Jess had an assignment due.Her task was to create a design that was inspired by the sacred holiday the Day of the Dead.Honestly this was easy for Jess. She was infatuated with the marigold.The flower is placed on graves during the holiday. It is believed to lure souls back from the dead to the land of the living with its vibrant colors and powerful scents.

Jess looked at the withered flower set before her eyes.It only took moments before she conceived a black funeral gown.The dress seem to flow in the air like a phantom moving in and out of view.

She quickly finished her sketch and turned it in just as fast.She was relieved to get it out of her sight and possession.They’re was something odd about the design.She was inspired by some force not of his world.

Jay’s sister passed by a beautiful bed of marigolds in downtown Philly.You wouldn’t even notice the little cafe if it wasn’t for the tangible orange and fiery red hues giving off warmth even on the coldest day.Jay’s sister went inside the cafe and sat down.She ordered the special of the day and asked about the flowers.The owner told her of a guy named Steven who had planted them for the shop.She asked if the owner knew how to reach Steven.She got the information she desired and went on her way.Steven got the call from Jay’s sister.He was asked to plant a garden of marigolds around Jay’s tombstone .

Steven gladly accepted the mission.He wasted no time and didn’t even charge Jay’s sister.

This was a sense of purpose for Steven.Something he had been longing for instead of just waking up to crunch numbers for angry and not so intelligent bosses.He made the grave site look magical.The area lit up with a holy fire that beckoned the soul to drawl nigh unto salvation.Truly Jay would find the peace he deserved looking upwards to such a display of love and kindness.Love and kindness shown as it was a mandate from Heaven itself.

Jess found herself obsessing over her dress.Her professor pretended to not be impressed but it was lie.She just wanted to rid herself of the design.It brought with it a feeling of darkness and despair.Jess’s teacher asked her to resubmit a new design.If her mentor was being honest she would have to admit she was overly impressed that such a creation could be conceived in the first place.

Jess couldn’t let her design go though.It bothered her aswell but also consumed her.She felt the only way to shake this feeling was to bring it to real life.She went to the sowing machine and breathed life over it.What was birthed forth can only be described as the end in the form of a garment.

A item of clothing that once wrapped around the body would take it over.The black dress became a shroud for an untimely demise.She engulfed herself in the dark veil.She had no occasion for such an outfit.She was surrounded by life except for the dead marigold.To her that marigold had more life than a new born baby crying as it came out the womb.After all it was still producing seed.Seeds of darkness that would grow overtaking the light if not taking care of.

Jess remembered what day it was and put her dress on.She wasted no time and proceeded to the nearest cemetery.It so happened Jay lived real close by to her.Jay’s sister came out to see the marigold garden Steven had planted.It was love at first sight.Yes she was amazed by the impassioned visuals that would captivate every living and not so alive creature that passed through the cemetery even at night.However what really stole her attention was Steven.Steven was just finishing up when he saw the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on.

Jay’s sister thanked him over and over.She insisted that he take payment for his services.Steven tried to explain that it was his blessing that he was able to honor her brother by doing the one thing he loves the most.Jay’s sister kept pressing him to take some kind of reward.Steven said fine and that he knew of a way she could repay him.Jay’s sister replied anything.

Steven said she could have dinner with him.Of course she agreed.Just as Steven went to hug her he noticed a girl standing and watching him.She was in a haunting black dress.

Jess had wondered to the cemetery to celebrate the day of the dead.Her eyes were fixed on the marigolds.Steven and Jay’s sister both felt an uneasy feeling.Unsure if it was the girl in the black dress or Jay being unhappy his sister was more concerned with Steven then bringing flowers to his grave.Jay’s sister quickly backed off from Steven and reminded her brother she loved him and always would.

As the girl in the black dress approached the grave the energy shifted once again.

It felt like Jay was pleased Jess had found her way to his resting place.It seemed the marigolds attract love and good fortune but can also be a source of jealousy and mourning.One thing for sure is these marigolds attracted four souls together for various reasons.Steven wanted purpose and Jay’s sister needed healing.Jay needed to not be forgotten and Jess needed to see the marigold as something that shines in the darkness rather than is the source of that darkness.Jess was beautiful kneeling besides the tombstone and the dress wasn’t so sinister anymore.

Perhaps it was fashioned for this vary occasion.Steven and Jay’s sister held each other ever so tightly as they looked at the marigolds.

The breeze was gentle but assertive as if Jay was telling them he was alright.The breeze caressing Jess’s legs felt like hands gently massaging.The fire that was set on Jay’s tombstone lit up the night for every ghost to see.