37

 

 

“Where am I? Who am I? What am I?”

No answer.

“I remember. I am Thomas Blaine, and I have just died. I am now in the Threshold, a very real and completely indescribable place. I sense Earth. And ahead, I sense the hereafter.”

“Tom—”

“Marie!”

“Yes.”

“But how could you—I didn’t think—”

“Well, perhaps in some ways I wasn’t a very good wife, Tom. But I was always a faithful one, and I did what I did for you. I love you, Tom. Of course I would follow.”

“Marie, this makes me very happy.”

“I’m glad.”

“Shall we go on?”

“Where, Tom?”

“Into the hereafter.”

“Tom, I’m frightened. Couldn’t we just stay right here for a while?”

“It’ll be all right. Come with me.”

“Oh, Tom! What if they separate us? What will it be like? I don’t think I’m going to like it. I’m afraid it’s going to be terribly strange and ghostly and horrible.”

“Marie, don’t worry. I’ve been a junior yacht designer three times in two lifetimes. It’s my destiny! Surely it can’t end here!”

“All right. I’m ready now, Tom. Let’s go.”