"I sure do miss my body, Hank. It was so much fun to use! And the tastes and smells..."
"You know what I miss, Bob? Christmas movies. I used to watch A Christmas Carol every year with Glenda."
"Yeah... This will be our first Christmas out here." replied Bob, deep sadness in his voice.
The two spirits sat on two ancient tombstones, as they had on the night of each new moon. But this time was different. It had been almost a year since the two best friends had died. It had happened so suddenly, that they denied the truth at first.
Bob had picked Hank up for work as usual, at five A.M. The two best friends worked together almost every day at Billford's Fine Diner. Bob was a gourmet chef, and Hank did the paperwork. Both also did countless other tasks. They were co-owners.
"Hey Hank, are you and Glenda ready for Christmas?" Bob asked, as he rounded a corner. He never even saw the eighteen wheeler which had run the red light due to its driver suffering a sudden heart attack.
"We sure are, Bob! Wait until you see the sleigh and plastic reindeer I put on the roof this year. They look like the real thing!"
"Say, what's that light? The sun won't be up for quite a while."
It grew brighter, until it was almost blinding. A shape reached out of the light, beckoning. Frightened, the two men looked around. Next to them, they saw two mangled bodies. Worst of all, they recognized them as their own.
"Let's get out of here! That must be the Grim Reaper himself." suggested Bob shakily.
The next thing they were aware of was being alone in the cemetery. From what they could figure out, they awakened once a month. It wasn't much of a life, but it was better than nothing.
"Bob... I don't think this is how it's meant to be. If I ever get another chance, I'm going to go into that light."
"I know what you mean. I thought if we got away, we could see our families, and even go home whenever we wanted. I really miss my Rachel." said Bob sadly.
"So it's agreed? If we get the chance, we both leave."
"Yes. But how will we ever find that light again? This is our twelfth time out here. And we've never seen anyone or anything."
"Maybe we should try praying. If our calculations are correct, it's almost Christmas. A time for miracles."
Suddenly they heard a motor, for the first time since their death. Then car lights came into view, stopping nearby.
Two women approached, wrapped up in warm coats. Their knit caps were pulled down low to keep out the chill. They scraped their feet, kicking the dried leaves left from autumn.
"Oh Rachel, I still can't believe they're really gone. I expect to wake up and find out it was just a nightmare."
"I feel the same way. But at the same time, there are days where it hits like a ton of bricks. That's what happened today. Thank you for coming with me, Glenda."
"You don't have to thank me. I was planning to make a trip out here soon myself."
The two spirits sat for a second in stunned silence. Then they raced towards their beloved wives.
"Glenda! It's me, Hank! I am so happy to see you!" he greeted her, jumping up and down in front of her. He tried touching her shoulder, but his hand passed right through.
"I'm glad we came. Somehow I feel closer to Hank than I have in a long time."
"I know, I have that same feeling about Bob."
They tried everything, including walking through the two women. It was no use. They couldn't be seen or heard. When they reached their graves, they went quiet.
"Honey, if you can hear me, please know that I miss you more than life itself, but I am going to be alright. I will always love you." said Rachel, obviously tearing up.
"I don't want to say goodbye again. Would you mind saying a prayer with me, Rachel?"
"I think that would be perfect."
"Dear Lord, you know our hearts. Please take care of Hank and Bob, and let them know that all is well with us. We miss them terribly, but pray that they have found peace and love within your Kingdom. Amen."
As soon as the prayer was finished, the light appeared. It was the same one they had seen from within their wrecked car. They ran towards it, finally ready to go home.
This is a 100% power up post
Describe what you see
I see a lonely graveyard. Few if any people visit it at this time of year. Certainly not at night. It's either fall or winter. The leaves are on the ground, and it's probably cold out.
Describe what you feel
I feel like there must be thousands of stories in this place. We should never forget those who have already left. They each have something to teach us. And one day, we will be joining them.