Unplugged: The Beautiful World (#3, Unplugged Trilogy)

Chapter Fifty Four

I'm surrounded by plants in the clearing, but everything's different. The trees, the foliage, the bushes, the grass; everything's alive and in vibrant color. The black-and-white leaved tree is dead. Just ahead of me is a blinding passageway cut into the foliage. Indescribably brilliant smells and sounds drift through the passageway. And I'm glowing. Literally, my skin ripples with golden light. I feel weightless, healthy, whole...
    Am I dead?
    Jovial chuckling greets my ears and I turn around to face Father. I can't help the giddy grin that spreads all over my face. He extends his robed arms and I melt into them. He feels oddly solid and gaseous at the same time. He's made of the same light that I am. It's impossible to describe.
    "You've done it, Enna," he whispers. "I couldn't be more proud."
    "What did I do?" I ask, grin faltering. "I got shot. I died." Father chuckles again, shaking his head, and starts to guide me towards the glowing passageway. It radiates warmth.
    "No, you didn't. I saved you just before the bullets entered your body. I brought you here."
    "So... I'm not dead?" Father shrugs and places an arm around my shoulders.
    "No, not at all, my child! You've discovered true peace. In doing so, you've succeeded. You've graduated from the 'school' you call Earth."
    "So I just ... disappeared and came here?" I ask, confused. Father laughs again. He sure does laugh a lot.
    "You'll know one day. You are more resourceful than you know, child. But for now, you've got a decision to make. One that--I'm afraid--is terribly urgent."
    "I do?" I ask nervously. He nods and we stop in front of the passageway. I can't see what's on the other side because it's too bright.
    "Indeed. Right now, I'm giving you the choice to walk through this doorway into bliss and eternal joy. You will be with all of your loved ones who have passed. You will never want, or need, for anything. On the other hand, you may choose to return to Earth, to your partners in battle. There you may continue with your life normally, and perhaps I will visit you from time to time." He puts his hands up. "The choice is all yours, Enna. I knew it might come down to this."
    At first I stare at him in shock. How is that even a choice? No one in their right mind would ever give up eternal freedom for their regular life!
But then I think of Leah, watching in shock from the Security Quarter as I disappear into thin air. Oscar in his chair, listening quietly as people ramble on about Matthew's life. All of the other rebels, waiting anxiously to win the war and gain their freedom once and for all. No matter how much I may try to deny it, people gain strength from my leadership. How could I possibly abandon them and retain a clear conscience?
    "I have to go back," I whisper. The words ache on my tongue even as I say them. Father draws me into another warm, comforting hug.
    "You are so brave, Enna. Many would leap at the chance to end pain and suffering as they know it. But you choose selflessly. Your friends need you." I nod, swallowing the lump that steadily grows in my throat. I hope against hope that I made the right decision.
    "Before I go back," I start, shuffling my feet. "Can I... Is..." I don't know how to properly vocalize what I desire.
    "You wish to see Matthew," Father mutters gently. I nod and swallow. He smiles and looks towards the glowing opening.
    Through it I can see a bright, golden silhouette. Then he steps out onto the soft grass.
Tears of joy gather in the corners of my eyes. He looks more beautiful than I've ever remembered him. I hungrily scan my gaze over his glowing form; his dark hair is soft and playfully disheveled, like a child's. His skin is smooth and free from cuts and bruises. His muscles glisten with a new, tame strength.
But my eyes linger on his temples longer than the rest of him. A slow smile bends my lips and tears steadily flow down over the contours of my face. He nods and grins back at me.
    His scars are gone.