Some time passed. Wendy had tried performing CPR again, but Vix never woke. Lisa placed her paw on Wendy’s shoulder. “We have to go,” Lisa said.
Wendy looked at Vix in dismay. Stifling her sadness, she stopped her attempts.
“I called the ambulance,” Debra tried to assure Wendy. However, even she knew that there was nothing more that could be done. “They’ll be here shortly.”
“We have to leave before they arrive, dear,” Lisa gently urged.
Taking a deep breath, Wendy nodded. She allowed herself to be led away in Debra’s arms. They exited the cathedral, not knowing of the hidden explosives that were placed there for their demise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Kristen…” echoed a voice. “Kristen…”
Vix’s eyes fluttered. When she finally focused them, she found herself standing, staring at her feet. She looked up. The area around her was bright, but it didn’t hurt her eyes. Her sight adjusted to better see the figures that were standing in front of her. “Where am I?” she asked.
“At a crossroad,” replied a voice coming from one of the figures. “I am so proud of you.”
“Ben?” she questioned, recognizing the voice.
The figure moved forward, revealing himself. “Yes,” he nodded.
Vix started to recall the moments after she was stabbed, and the moment where she died. She placed her hand to where the wound should be. It wasn’t there. “Am I…” her voice faltered.
“Yes,” Ben replied, knowing her question.
Vix trembled slightly. “So, I’m going to be judged.” Her life wasn’t obviously that of a saint, and she understood that she had done some horrible things in her work.
“No. It is not your time,” he chuckled at his remark.
“I don’t understand,” she said shaking her head.
Ben’s smile widened. “How cliché do you want me to go, Kristen?” he joked. “It isn’t your time.”
She thought for a second. Then the smallest figure coughed as to get her attention. “Who are they?” she pointed at the other figures behind Ben.
“Can’t recognize your own family, sis?” the smallest one jovially replied stepping forward.
“Oh my god…” Vix silently whispered, watching as her brother, mom, and dad came into to view smiling at her.
“I knew you’ll always pull through, Kristen,” reassured her dad.
“You were always the brightest out of all us,” her mom added.
“Hey, what about me?” her little brother gently nudged their mom.
Their dad grinned and ruffled his son’s hair. “You’re just as bright too.”
“Yea, well…” her brother started, reverting his attention back at his sister. “You better not disappoint us.”
Vix playfully pouted. “Still you mock me in heaven?”
“Hey, someone’s got to keep you off your high heels,” he replied. They all laughed. “Anyways, this isn’t heaven. It isn’t as bright like this place.”
“He’s right,” affirmed Ben. “It is only a crossroad. This is where second chances are given. It is a place of change, assurance, and fate.”
“So I’m going back.” Vix took the moment to pause and reflect on her past.
“Yes,” Ben nodded. “But now you have the power to redefine your future. You’ll find it easier to redirect your path. No longer must you continue down the road of vengeance and hate, but that is a decision only you can make. We’re only here to guide you.” He waited for Kristen to collect what he said. It was a lot for her, and hopefully she’ll pull through like her dad said.
“I understand, I think,” she smirked.
“There is a price for a second chance however,” he continued. “Understand that you can choose to be judged as you are or go back.
“A price?” she inquired uncomfortably. Ben became quiet. “What is it?”
“Are you ready, Kristen?” he whispered.
This time it was Vix’s turn to agree. “Yes.”
Ben looked pass her shoulders. Vix followed his gaze to see yet another figure walking towards them. This one was bigger then all of them. It loomed closer until it came into plain view. Vix gasped at what she saw.