Page 322 of Devil’s Disciples

As the paramedics worked frantically to save the rider’s life, the ambulance sped toward the hospital. Moments later, the ambulance came to a stop at the emergency room entrance. The attendant opened the ambulance’s rear door. The two paramedics met the attendant’s gaze and shook their heads in unison.

“We lost him,” one said. “It seemed he just let go.”

The attendant opened the rider’s clenched hand. Much to his surprise, the ring was gone.

“Where’s the ring?” he asked.

The paramedic shrugged. “What ring?”

The attendant looked at the rider’s right wrist, only to find it bare. “The bracelet?” he asked.

The paramedic seemed puzzled. “It was there a moment ago, I swear.”

The body of the rider was taken away. The ambulance was searched. Neither the bracelet, nor the ring were ever found.

It is believed by many that upon their passing, the departed are delivered to their destination. At the rate of three hundred per hour, souls exit their earthly bodies. Some move on to the heavens above, while others meet an entirely different fate.

On that day, at 9:17, an angel was delivered to the heaven’s above. On his right wrist he wore a brass bracelet. Cupped in his right hand, a velvet box bore a symbol of his love.

Waiting cross-legged at the golden gates, holding a piece of pecan pie, was the woman he so dearly loved.

Beyond the gates, beautiful trees lined the horizon. On them, low-hanging fruit clung to the branches, an offering from the heavens. Each piece of fruit gave assurance of one more tomorrow.

And the trees went on forever.