CHAPTER NINETY-ONE
(part five)
Sunday afternoon — 2:45 P.M.
“You know you’re alive,” Celia chided Delphie.
“I know nothing of the kind,” Delphie replied.
They were sitting outside on a small patio. Delphie had begged for some time to herself. Sam had helped her to the patio then left her to her self. She’d spent most of her meditation arguing quietly with Celia.
“Can you feel pain? Sadness? Rage?” Celia asked.
“Yes,” Delphie said.
“Then you’re alive,” Celia said. “Why would you want to be dead?”
“I’m dead like you,” Delphie said.
“Then why can Sam see you?” Celia asked. “Talk to you? Hold your hand?”
“What are you? The alive or dead police?”
“I’m your best friend,” Celia said. “I want you to live every moment of this life to its fullest. It’s a miracle that you’re still alive.”
“No, I’m not.”
“It’s unlike you to be so stubborn. What’s going on with you?”
Delphie looked at the apparition of her best friend, her beloved Celia. She had no logical response to Celia’s sincere and loving question. Delphie’s mind drifted to the crushing moment she felt completely alone. Lying on the Castle living room floor, Delphie knew she would be alone for an eternity. Losing everyone was the most horrible thing that had ever happened to her. Delphie shook the loss from her head.
“Why is it better to be dead?” Celia asked.
Like a tiny spark, her mind replied: ‘I can’t lose them again.’ The spark was gone before Delphie was even aware it.
“It’s not better. It just is,” Delphie said.
Celia laughed.
Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…