Too Broke For Afterlife

???????????????????? 24????????, 2022. ????????????, ???????????? ????????????????. /// 7:02 ????????.

I should have done this much sooner.

When I woke up from my coma, I had the opportunity to get Jasper behind bars but didn't end up reporting the many incidents in order to protect my own sanity. A lengthy trial would have been the last thing I needed and looking at what came afterwards, everything that happened in Heaven, I'm glad I held back.

But now that Jasper was still on my feet like a hungry hound, I knew that there was only one way out of this madness and so I finally went to file a report.

The accusations?

Attempted murder and stalking.

I contacted my dad's lawyer, we had a court hearing and currently Jasper is in custody.

The trial is still going but I think my chances of getting him to prison are quite good. There is no proof for anything Jasper has been telling the judges: for example that I tied him up in the closet, that a friend of mine teleported him to Peru or that I drugged him at my birthday party to steal a crystal out of his shoe that would have opened the gate to Hell. He claimed that I work together with the devil.

Rightfully, the court has deemed him completely incredible (not the good kind) and also slightly insane.

Just a few more weeks and I won't have to look over my shoulder anymore. He'll be gone and I'll be free.

But not everything has been negative lately. Not at all.

In the meantime of the trial, the newest issue of Petra has been printed, published and sold. Now America and the whole world can read my interview.

Number 13

Isabella Green

A week ago Lingerie by Isa dropped its first collection and we sold out within the first few hours. There are waiting lists and giveaways and every day I come to work, I do so with a confident smile on my lips and around 200 new Instagranny followers.

I found an office for the company in Manhattan, only a few streets away from Green Vision and expanded the team to now 8 on site employees, all of them lovely and motivated.

Right now, life is almost perfect. I am happy.

It's 7pm on a Tuesday, all my employees have gone home already and I'm ready to head out too. 

Looking out of the windows, I watch the familiar skyline in the distance and the cars driving through the dark evening. Somewhere, my bed is waiting.

I put on my green coat and comb through my hair as I whistle a sweet tune.

That is when I hear the ringing of the doorbell.

Hm? Officially we closed two hours ago, did somebody not read the sign?

I put my purse over my shoulder and walk over to the door.

Then I open it.

"Yes?"

But when I see who came to visit, my heart starts beating faster and the smile on my lips is gone.

I haven't seen or heard from Judy in almost three months. Her brunette hair is put up into a messy bun, she is wearing lose jeans and a white shirt.

The woman looks at me nervously. "Hi."

"Hello."

We stand there for a bit as I wait for her to tell me what she is doing here while I also try to stay calm.

"So?"

With her left sneaker she draws little circles into the concrete. "I came to congratulate you on your article and the launch of your company. I'm really happy for you."

A little smile sneaks onto my lips. "Thank you, that is very kind."

Judy looks into my eyes. God, she is so beautiful.

"I also wanted to ask if you maybe would like to grab coffee sometimes."

Surprised, I raise an eyebrow. 

"As friends?"

"No. As a date."

I stare at her, Judy doesn't look away.

"Are you asking me out right now?"

She nods.

"Listen. When we were together, I was scared of the struggles you and I had to face. I thought I couldn't handle it. But when you were gone, everything only became harder. Breaking up with you was maybe the biggest mistake I have ever made. I know you shouldn't say this before the first date but I love you."

I feel tears welling up in my eyes, my heart is beating out of my chest.

"I realize that maybe it's too late. Maybe you don't have feelings for me anymore. But I just had to try. I'm sorry if this is-"

"No." I shake my head. My voice is quiet and shaking. "It's not too late."

I turn off the lights of the office and pull the door shut before I lock it. Then. I turn back to Judy.

"Where do you want to grab coffee? Emil's? I think they still have your Vanilla Latte."

Judy smiles shyly, her eyes are wet. She offers me a hand.

"Emil's sounds perfect."

<<<

2093. ????????????????????????.

Hi.

My name is Parker Jones.

As I'm currently looking down at the beautiful park, filled with happy faces and voices, I am reminded of the many years I have spent on Earth.

For a long time I was unhappy and at some points it seemed like only death could free me. But then I found freedom inside myself.

Anyway, I'm not here to give you a speech on happiness, I'm not trying to tell you to keep trying because life is beautiful. I am merely sharing my story in hopes it connects with the hearts of others.

The book you have read is at its core a story about two very different people who both had to face death numerous times in order to survive.

It was a story about all the emotions that make us so incredibly human. 

I am thankful that you read and feared and felt and cheered me on. 

If you're ever in my neighborhood, make sure to stop by and say hi.  We'll play some GTA together.

Until then, stay safe and hopeful. Okay?

My name is Parker Jones.

I'm the Mayor of Heaven.

And this was our story.