A Good Thief Amongst Us

The pain is excruciating, and I cannot breathe. Time is merciless – the minutes seem like hours and the hours like days. My very soul is writhing in torment, utter misery and agony.“Please, let it be over. Bring an end to my suffering … water, I need water,” I beg the young man Mercifully, the Centurion lifts a spear, on it is pierced a wet-soaked sponge. Ah, good man, relief at last.” I draw the liquid into my mouth, vinegar, and suffer the last insult of humanity. Scourged, battered, and faint, I groan in despair, “Let me die."  
                        

Darkness befalls me, a deafening silence in a black void. In the distance is a bright light, and it grows as I float through this cool vacuum, this dark, endless sea of nothingness. I am careening toward the light and its radiant aura, wanting the light, needing the light. Alone it exists in this opaque desolation. My senses are numb.With no body or form, I ask myself, “Who am I, what am I?"                                                                                                                                         

The shimmering sphere is steadily growing. Minutes drift by as coolness engulfs me as if immersed in a clear, sparkling spring. How is this so? I am so confused, but my hopes surge as the light draws closer, larger, and larger.
                                                                                 

In these addling moments, only the light is relevant, nothing else exists. The sphere is immense now, and is pulling me into its chilling brilliance. Then suddenly, ecstasy! I cascade into the massive sphere, so breathtaking and refreshing. With a wondrous splash of soft, sparkling rays, I am wholly consumed and sense a surreal peace like I have never known before. Glorious seconds pass … then darkness.
                                                                                       

“He’s with us now,” the lady with feather earrings says, shining a light into my eyes.“You’re disoriented. Just relax, don’t move. Everything will be clear soon.” says a reddish man with long, flowing, black hair.
                                                                                            

“Where am I?” I ask from an infirmary bed, as a group of youths and elderly smile jubilantly. A crystalline-blue haze permeates the room with a scent of myrrh, as LED lights blink slowly on dimly lit panels and the floor glows amber, orange, fluorescent.
                            

“He’s home!” they cheer in harmony. The group is exuberant.“Welcome home, sir,” a beautiful young girl says, clapping joyfully. "I have been waiting so long to meet you,” she says, smiling with enchanting, childlike grace.
                                                                                                                

Euphoria supersedes agony, and my wounds are healed. My hands, feet and torso are perfect; my body is new. There are no punctures or lacerations, just smooth, white skin with a pinkish hue.                                                                                                                       

"What is happening to me? Who are you people?” I ask in bewilderment. “Where am I?”                                                                                                                                      

The room dims as a small, brilliant, white orb appears, bringing the center of the room aglow.The group averts their eyes and steps back slowly, bowing in reverence.
                        

A hush falls upon the room as a soft voice whispers, “My child, you are in Paradise."