Second Chance

Second Chance

May

Of course, I cannot stay underwater more than required. Even though I am dead, my mindset has not adjusted. I am still scared of drowning.

Therefore I come out of the water and draw in the much-needed breath. Since there is no soap or towel, I just use my hands to run off the dirt.

I also take my clothes and attempt to wash them in the lake. To my astonishment, the blood is washed off clean. As if the lake has some bleach in it.

I thought my attempts would be futile but I was wrong. I guess this place is truly magical. I am again shocked at how quickly they dry the moment I hang them on the nearest shrub.

Mouth agape, I put my clothes on and take slow steps toward the ethereal goddess. Of course, she just has to be a goddess. No human being can ever be that stunning. I can swear on that. I could have sworn with my life but it no longer exists so that would be cheating.

"There you are, dear child. As good as new. Now it is time to send you back to your loved ones. Why the scowl dear? Aren't you excited to be reunited with them?"

Right there my panic attack settles in. I am having difficulty breathing. I feel so much self-condescension. How could I have thought of her as a goddess?

If she truly was a goddess wouldn't she be aware of the fact that I do not have anyone who loves me? How is it possible for her to ignore this fact?

Could it be she is talking to me about the one person who loved me the most? My long-deceased dad? It's possible and it is rude of me to get angry with her.

Never have I been disrespectful before. I feel bad for scowling at this kind and beautiful lady who only wishes me well. It will do me no harm to hear her out. So I wipe off my tears and in a croaky voice respond politely.

"Not all madam. It's just that I do not know of anyone who truly cares for me. That is why I am confused. Please go on."

She smiles and glides toward me. The smile never leaves her face as she pats my moist hair and says;

"Oh, but you are wrong dear, child. You have a whole pack waiting for you. Their prayers have invaded my privacy for the past fortnight. They are lost without you."

Right now she has plunged me into deeper confusion with what she just said. I am well aware that a pack is a group or family of wolves. Then how can a pack of predators be praying for me?

Have I been so bad in my past life that even wolves want to settle scores with me? And why should she be telling me this with such a sweet and angelic smile? Who is she and what is her connection to the wolves?

Unable to voice my opinion, I just gulp and nod. I know she understands that I want her to carry on. She makes a move to hold my hand and I flinch instinctively.

You cannot blame me for being wary now. She is talking about sending me to a pack of wolves. How then can I just relax and accept that?

"Dear, dear. Why are you so tense? Could it be you misunderstood me? Come. Let me show you something. It should be enough to explain things to you."

This time she does not attempt to hold my hand. She just walks toward the lake and I follow silently. Although I am wary of her, I am still curious. I want to see whatever she has to show me. The truth is, I want to be proven wrong. I so desperately hope that someone, somewhere truly yearns for me.

That is why I am following her. As we get to the lake, the lady smiles at me and then waves her hands and what happens after, makes my jaw drop. Magic reigns in this place for sure.

The water ripples and a high wave is created. As the wave rises, it stands still and turns into a big screen. There I see what I perceive as a hospital setting. Right in the intensive care unit, someone is lying there and she is surrounded by about five people.

Confused, I look up at her questioningly and she just smiles.

"Look closely dear child. Can you identify the person lying on the hospital bed? Can you see the love and concern etched on the faces of those surrounding her? Especially that handsome young man with raven black hair? Would you believe it if I say that is all for you?"

Not wanting to disappoint her, I inch closer to the lake so I can take a closer look. However, in my head, I take the liberty to scoff.

No matter how much magic she possesses, she can never make the scoundrels I call family care this much for me. However, shock hits me when I realize that it is none other than me who is lying on that bed!

It is truly your girl May who is surrounded by such caring strangers! My breath hitches and a sob escapes me. This is just too good to be true. Nonetheless, I do not want the dream to end. I just keep staring hoping to savor this moment and lock it in the innermost part of my memory.

I do not ever want to forget this. With tears streaming down my face, I turn to the lady and ask the burning questions within me.

"Who are these people and why do they care so much for me? I do not recognize any of them. So this means that I am not dead right?"

"Slow down my child. I will answer all your questions but first, let me ask you this. Do you not recognize any of them? Look closely, my dear."

Her voice has this magical calming effect on me. I do as she has said and I get the shock of my life. I do recognize the young man who is sitting closest to the hospital bed! It is the wolfman whom I thought was part of my near-death hallucinations.

This means I was not hallucinating at all. The wolfman cares for me. It seems like even his family cares for me equally as well. I grab the lady's hands excitedly exclaiming.

"Now it all makes sense! Thank you so much, my lady. I thought I was dreaming. I remember seeing a wolf who then turned into a young man. That one sitting close to the bed and holding my hand. Now I understand why you said that a whole pack is praying for my recovery."

"Yes, my dear child they eagerly await your return. I am Selene, the moon goddess, and the mother of all werewolves. Those people you see there are all wolves. Do you think you would want to go back to them?"

I stare at her incredulously. How can she even ask? They may be part predators but they have much more humanity than any of the humans I have encountered. Of course, I would rather be with them.

"Yes, yes, please. If you can, please send me back. I have seen for myself how much concern they have for me. I would never give up this chance to experience true family life."

"Then it is done. You got a second chance at life, treasure it, my child. Now go. They are waiting."

Without even giving me a chance to thank her, she pushes me toward the tall wave. Then I feel as if I am being pulled downwards.

I just hold my breath and decide to just trust the moon goddess. She gave me an olive branch, though abstract, I am willing to grab it. Suddenly, the water vanishes, and I draw a much-needed breath. Then I hear a gasp followed by the most pleasant voice and statement ever.

"You returned to me, my love. Goddess, I am forever grateful."

I snap my eyes open and I am surrounded by the same people I saw on the wave earlier. The worry is no longer on their faces. Instead, I only see relief and gratitude on their faces. But on the wolfman's face, I see an array of emotions that I cannot name. This is my second chance and I will treasure it.