Precious Cargo~ Easel Musings, Week 6 Challenge

Lying softly in the folds of her mother's arms, seven year old, Willow, asked, "Mother, what is heaven like?"

The words stuck for a moment. Nora looked down at the small child in her arms. Skin so pale, pink cheeks, brown button eyes. Pulling Willow closer to her bosom, she buried her face in her only child's, raven hair. Nora felt a sharp pain in her chest. She closed her eyes, willing her mind to concentrate on Willow.

Willow, turned her head slightly towards her mother. "Is God at the gate? Or, Saint Peter?"

Nora smiled. "I believe it will be, God, Himself."

"Good! Because I have a lot of questions to ask Him, and I just hate waiting!"

Nora chuckled, although, her heart heavy.

Nora winced. Another pain. Sharper.

Willow looked into her mother's eyes. "Are you alright, Mother? Do you hurt?"

"No, darling. Mother is fine. I feel no pain," Nora lied.

Willow rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "I don't hurt anymore, either." Willow closed her eyes, smiling.

Nora's heart filled with ache.

'That's wonderful, my darling." Nora gently kissed Willow's forehead.

Willow lifted her head, as something caught her eye.

"What is it, Willow?" Nora already knew. Time was beginning again. She only had but a few moments left.

"Do you see it?" Willow pointed her finger.

"What, dear?" Nora choked back the tears, a lump lodged in her throat.

"The light! It's--it's so beautiful, Mother!" Willow pulled from her mother's embrace, and began to walk towards brilliant light that seemed to call her name. "You hear that, Mother? Someone called my name," she said moving quickly.

"Will---Willow...No. Not-yet. Not-yet, Lord," Nora whispered in quiet desperation.

Her time was up. She was only allowed to see Willow through, then time would begin again.

"It's wonderful, Mother. So, wonderful," Willow's voice became distant.

"Willow..." Nora cried.

A great pain, like an electric volt, invaded her body. Nora began to feel pressure, as though someone was sitting on her chest.

Nora heard the tick of a clock.

Her eyes became heavy and blurred. She fell to her knees, reaching for her baby.

Reaching for her Willow.

"Willow...Willow..." Nora lay down. Her body feeling like melting wax. The beating in her chest rapid. The ticking of the clock, louder. Her precious darling's voice, the last sound she heard...

"Mother, it's beautiful. I love you. Tell Father, I love him...."

**********

Jonathon Love, held his wife's hand. The doctors were amazed she survived such a horrific crash. They started her heart three times. How was he ever going to tell her, that their beautiful daughter didn't survive.

Nora's eyes fluttered. She looked into Jonathon's eyes.

"Hello, Sweetheart," he smiled, choking back the tears. "I'm so glad to see you," he kissed her on the forehead.

Nora moved her mouth.

"Shush, honey. Later."

"Wi--Wil-low..."

Jonathon's heart sank.

A tear ran down Nora's cheek. "Wil-low...Hea-ven..." She closed her eyes and cried.

Jonathon held his wife. She already knew.