Afterlife Read Online Free PDF

of Martha. He would sometimes come into my room and offer me some broth and bread.
     
    As the months passed the break downs and strange dreams became less frequent and I felt like I was settling in more and more. My wounds were healing and I could slowly but certainly start moving around with crutches. They were careful not to allow me outside during my recovery process.
     
    However, there was one particular morning that marked the final steps in my recovery. I remembered Martha coming in and opening the curtains so that I could feel the sun’s warm rays on my skin. It was wonderful and invigorating.
     
    She looked at me with a smile on her face. “I was wondering if you would like to go outside for a bit so that you can get some fresh air. I believe you are strong enough to sit outside a bit and the weather has cleared and it is a beautiful day today.”
     
    Suddenly I felt uncertain. “I don’t know if the time is right for me to go out … not yet anyway.” I knew she was only trying to help me, but she didn’t understand. No one did. Life outside of these four walls had been hell. It had been more than hell. The room had become my safe haven. I climbed out of bed and limped towards the window and touched the wooden panels with my fingers. It felt smooth and solid. I looked out at the garden and at the hill top and forest that lay beyond the blue skies.
     
    The world outside was cruel and I wasn’t quite ready to face that again. Martha stood behind me, her fingers running through my tangled hair. “I promise nothing will happen to you, not while we are here with you.” She turned me around softly and took my hands into hers. “Please I insist, it would mean a great deal to us if you joined us today.” I felt compelled to say yes and nodded. “Wonderful! I will pack a picnic basket. Oh and Fleur, I bought you something at the store the other day.” She took a white box with a ribbon from the closet and placed it on the bed. “You really shouldn’t have brought me anything.” Martha smiled and winked at me. “Open it,” and closed the door behind her.
     
     I grabbed the box. The first gift I had gotten since my parents died! It was pretty I didn’t even want to open it. I slowly unwrapped the box, enjoying the thrill of anticipation.  Inside the tissue paper smelt of roses as I unfold it to reveal a beautiful floral summer dress. I touched the fabric and marveled at the sight of the dress. I twirled in front of the mirror.  I had never owned anything like this, at least nothing that was mine. I placed the dress reverently back into the box. Martha and Oscar had done so much for me, I really had no idea how I would ever be able to repay them.
     
    I walked into the bathroom and tested the water that Martha had prepared for me. The water caressed my body as I climbed in and sunk into the warm fragrant bath. I traced my hands over the scars on my legs and wondered if the ugly marks would ever disappear. After a while I climbed out and as my feet touched the cold concrete floor, I shivered slightly and then grabbed the towel from the hook and covered myself. For a while I simply sat on the edge of the bath, taking in my surroundings. I prayed to God that this wasn’t just a dream and that my life would be normal from now on.
    ***
     
    The dress was a perfect fit. I looked in the mirror and could not take my eyes off myself, although my body was thin and bony I looked wonderful. Suddenly I felt joyful and full of life. Brushing my long hair, I took the green ribbon that accompanied the dress and tied my hair. Since childhood my hair had gone from a mousy strawberry blonde color to a striking Titian red and now it was a lot longer.
     
    I left my safe haven and I climbed down the steps into the store and into a new life.
     
    ***
     
    It was a beautiful shop with gold chandeliers and high pressed ceilings. The smell of cotton candy was floating in the air and there were rows and rows of all sorts of