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The clouds were drifting across the skies. Some were skirting the mountains, giving an air of mystery. All was still. There in one of the valleys, a crowd of people surrounded one of the houses. Inside, in one of the bedchambers, Elizabeth and Anne were sitting at a bed. Bill was there too, along with young Nick. And one or two others. They were all attending to Paul, who was laying face upwards in bed.

Elizabeth: “Don’t fight it Paul. I prevailed, and so shall you.”

Paul: “I feel so tired.”

Bill: “Don’t fight it Paul. You will soon see us again.”

Paul: “Love you all. Must I go?”

Elizabeth: “Everyone must. But look at me!”

Paul: “So tired.”

And Paul drifted away, like the clouds above.

Presently everyone stepped outside and a priest made some reassuring words. After a while people went back to their pursuits. Bill ushered Nick away.

Nick: “What is Earth?”

Bill: “That’s difficult, Nick. They say it’s a place like here: with mountains, valleys, streams, sky, just as real.”

Nick: “Must everyone go there, in the long sleep?”

Bill: “’Fraid so, Nick. They say it’s an essential part of our maturing, our education. It’s for spiritual growth.”

Nick: “When will Paul awaken?”

Bill: “I’ve no idea. They reckon he has been reborn now, in a whole new baby body. Mind you some don’t get that far. But let’s not talk about that. It can be anything from one to a hundred or so years. Elizabeth woke up only last year. She only slept for just over sixty years.”

Nick: “But what if Phil and I enter the long sleep before Paul awakens?”

Bill: “Then you will both share with him his experiences on Earth.”

Nick: “But will he not awaken before us two?”

Bill: “All being well, yes. That would be most fitting.”

Nick: “I’m sure Joan is older than us though.”

Bill: “Yes, she is approaching the time. The long sleep will soon be upon her. And a few others like Martin, Jeanette… Everyone must go through it, just the once.”

“Nick: “I hear some go through it many times!”

Bill: “Yes I’ve heard that too. But it’s just a rumour. As far as I’m concerned you ‘die’ twice: once in the long sleep, and finally when you reawaken.”

Nick: “Why don’t the sleepers starve though?”

Bill: “They are in complete suspended animation lad. But that’s enough talk of sleep. It’s time to get those chickens fed!”

So off they went…

Out of the blue a young man about the same age as Nick approached them.

Young man: “Hello I’m Michael. I just heard about Paul going to sleep. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Bill: “Thankyou Michael. I think we have everything covered.”

Michael: “Have you made any arrangements to watch Paul’s progress in his life on Earth?”

Bill: “Yes thanks. Though Nick is too young for that sort of thing.”

Michael: “Too young? Well I know he’s only about a year younger than me. I’ve been to many Viewings. Anyroad, are you Bill?”

Bill: “Yes, why?”

Michael: “Well, they say Paul’s father on Earth is your grandson Pete, and his mother is Louisa…”

Bill: “Thanks lad, but I’d rather see for myself.”

Michael: “Well, give it another twenty years or so and Nick and I will enter the long sleep ourselves. I’ve got loads of projects in mind. But hey, I’m delaying you. Better go and have a look at Paul there.”

Nick: “In his sleep?”

Michael: “Oh yes. But don’t forget, it is only for so long.”

With that Michael shot away, up the hill.

Paul Butters

Dedicated to MPA who recently re-awakened after thirty years.