At Witt's End Read Online Free PDF

as the days go by. They expect you to do the same."
    "Please listen to her,” Lora said. “I didn't believe her at first, either. None of us did. But when you hear everything, you'll understand.” Lora pulled her son to her side.
    "When you died,” Sadie said, “you didn't pass through the tunnel of light like you should have. You were held back. Some don't make it through the light because their issues are unresolved. It's up to you to figure out what that is. You've been given a time frame of thirty days to figure it out and make your decision."
    "Decision.” Theo rolled his eyes and looked away. “Your little fantasy game doesn't impress me in the least."
    "Theo, you are dead. I don't know how you died, but believe me, you are dead. You have to decide whether you want to go back through the light or go to the parallel world.” Sadie sat back in her chair, waiting for what she knew would come next.
    "I've heard enough,” Theo shouted. “Parallel world? What is this some kind of cult?” Theo flicked his hand toward the others. “If you've been taken in by this lunatic, then you're just as crazy as she is.” He gestured frantically. “I suppose you're all waiting for an alien space ship to take you away?"
    "No, we're not. There are no such things as aliens. But we know we need to make a decision so we can cross over.” A blond, twelve-year-old boy rose and crossed the room toward Theo. “I'm Tim. I'm dead just like you.” He pointed at Lora as he explained. “Lora and her son are dead. The guy in the inner room is dead. Sadie's our death coach and she's here to help us make our decisions."
    A throaty laugh erupted from Theo as he threw his head back. “I just realized what this is. It's a bad dream. I've been having trouble sleeping and I'm on a new medication. I'm hallucinating.” Theo tapped both cheeks rapidly. “I'll shake myself awake and end this nightmare."
    "This isn't a bad dream. You died recently and made your way to my cabin.” Sadie gazed up into his eyes to make sure he was listening. “I'm your death coach. You're a crosser and that's why you ended up in Cabin 14."
    Sadie watched Theo's throat bob as he swallowed with difficulty. “I hope you look at your stay with us as an honor rather than a horror. You have the opportunity to make a major death decision. Most people don't have that luxury."
    Sadie empathized with Theo as well as the other crossers. Believing the incredulous was difficult enough, but accepting the finality was next to impossible.
    Theo's gaze moved around the room as Sadie pointed to Michael. “As you can see, crossers come in all sizes and ages.” Michael tucked his head behind his mother's arm when Theo stared at him. Sadie put her arm around Tim's shoulder. “Tim and his parents were killed in a car accident. Tim's parents went through to the other side, but Tim remained behind. He wants to rejoin his parents."
    Sadie nudged Belly away from Theo's leg as the dog pranced around Theo's feet. “And you've met Rodney. We don't know much about him,” Sadie said, pointing toward the inner room. “He doesn't seem interested in sharing his intentions with the group."
    Pulling Michael into her lap, Sadie said, “The five of you make up my guest roster for the time being. I'm only allowed five crossers at one time."
    "But you have six,” Theo said, pointing at Mr. Bakke.
    "Mr. Bakke isn't dead."
    "He's not?” Michael said, looking up at Sadie. “He looks dead."
    Hearing his name, Mr. Bakke said, “What?"
    "Our new guest thought you were one of the crossers, Mr. Bakke."
    Mr. Bakke turned toward the kitchen table. “I'm not dead yet. I suppose that's not too far down the road, but as of today, I'm still kicking."
    Sadie pointed at the door. “Theo's over by the door. You were talking to the chair Lora's sitting in."
    "Is he the new one?” Mr. Bakke asked, directing his gaze toward the door.
    "Yup,” Michael chimed in. “He just got here."
    Sadie patted Michael's