A Brush with Death

(An interesting tale about Jeniyus's encounter with the metaphysical. I'd like to dedicate this story to Deathwalker who got me thinking about my own perceptions of the unknown. It introduces the possible "God" of my stories)

Jeniyus's mind spun as the ambulance sped to the hospital. A male paramedic dressed in all white held her hand, talking to her, trying his best to keep her awake. There were blood streaks on her forehead from a wound on her head that the other paramedics in the ambulance with her were trying to seal. Jeniyus had been walking on the sidewalk bordering a quiet road. She was on her way to a large gathering of monsters that Metrinos had sent out to pull numerous heists that evening. And then, out of nowhere, a drunk driver veered off the road and slammed into her. She was lucky she didn't die on impact.

In the ambulance, Jeniyus felt herself losing consciousness. She couldn't fight the overwhelming fatigue that enveloped her. She soon passed out.

The next thing Jeniyus knew, she was floating in what she could only call "space." But the space was a dark, deep purple color that swirled and danced. She looked at herself, and saw that she was still completely decked out in her superhero attire. She looked all around, wondering where she was.

Then, a large, bright light appeared in front of her. Strangely, though, the light did not hurt her eyes. It was soothing and relaxed her immensely. The light spoke, "Hello, Crystal."

"Who....who are you?" Jeniyus questioned.

"I am called many things. The Creator....the Omnipotent....the Light.....the Unknown...but most often, I am referred to as 'God'."

Jeniyus's eyes widened and her heart began to race.

"Do not be afraid, Crystal. You are in the presence of pure love."

"Pure....love?"

"Yes. I am 'composed' of many things. But no attribute is greater than my love. Now, Crystal, I imagine you have quite a few questions for me," the light said in a cheerful tone.

Jeniyus smiled. "Oh, so many questions."

The light laughed warmly

Jeniyus stammered a littled. "U-um...first.....is there an afterlife?"

"Yes. Heaven awaits those who have proven to be of the light. A paradise where one can do as they please for the rest of eternity."

"Wow. It's very liberating to know that. But....why don't you make the existence of heaven known to everyone? Why let us wonder and doubt?"

"One could say the proof is all around. Most people choose not to see it. Also, I cannot make the existence of heaven fully confirmed to the human race, as great ill could erupt from it."

"How?"

"Wars may be waged in a foolish attempt to seize it. Suicidal rates may sky-rocket if people know that life beyond death exists. Religious zealots may use the confirmed existence of heaven as an excuse to do monstrous things. The possibilities are endles...."

Jeniyus nodded solemnly. "I...guess I never thought of it that way."

"As many have said, there is a reason for everything."

"Is....there a hell?"

"Yes. There is a hell that awaits those who would do evil to others. But it is not eternal. After their sentence is over, they will either travel to heaven or be reincarnated into another life to...'try again' if you will."