Life Ends

By JT WULF

On a crisp autumn day, the fallen leaves crunched underfoot as Joshua and his father, Daniel, strolled down the quiet street. The six-year-old boy's eyes were drawn to the looming wrought-iron gates and the rolling hills beyond, dotted with solemn gray headstones. "Daddy, who are those people in there?" Joshua asked innocently, pointing towards the graveyard. 

As father and son continued their walk, Joshua asked more probing questions. Daniel explained with patience and love how death was a natural part of life's cycle, describing it as the soul completing its journey and metaphorically writing the final lines before closing the book. He assured the boy that though they could no longer see their departed loved ones, their essences remained like invisible strands weaving through their lives.

Over the years, Joshua grappled with the concept of mortality, seeking deeper meaning. On solemn anniversaries, he and Daniel would visit the graveyard, leaving flowers, sharing memories, and finding solace. 

Then, the unthinkable happened - Daniel was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his final months, he spent every moment creating lasting memories with Joshua, now a teenager. With tears and hugs, he passed on all his fatherly wisdom, preparing his son for life's harsh realities.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224409068

JT WULF

JT WULF is a best selling author in the genres of horror and suspense thriller. His books include: The Transition Hole, Dead, The Inn, The Cellar Door, The RIP Club, A Town Called Thereafter, Karma: The Final Payment 

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

On a crisp autumn day, the fallen leaves crunched underfoot as Joshua and his father, Daniel, strolled down the quiet street. The six-year-old boy's eyes were drawn to the looming wrought-iron gates and the rolling hills beyond, dotted with solemn gray headstones. Daddy, who are those people in there? Joshua asked innocently, pointing towards the graveyard.

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As father and son continued their walk, Joshua asked more probing questions. Daniel explained with patience and love how death was a natural part of life's cycle, describing it as the soul completing its journey and metaphorically writing the final lines before closing the book. He assured the boy that though they could no longer see their departed loved ones, their essences remained like invisible strands weaving through their lives.

––––––––

Over the years, Joshua grappled with the concept of mortality, seeking deeper meaning. On solemn anniversaries, he and Daniel would visit the graveyard, leaving flowers, sharing memories, and finding solace.

––––––––

Then, the unthinkable happened - Daniel was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his final months, he spent every moment creating lasting memories with Joshua, now a teenager. With tears and hugs, he passed on all his fatherly wisdom, preparing his son for life's harsh realities.

CHAPTER 1

The quiet street stretched before them, lined with the first signs of autumn's arrival. Joshua and Daniel walked side by side, their footsteps crunching on a carpet of fallen leaves in a rhythmic duet.

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Listen, Dad, Joshua said, grinning as his gentle brown eyes took in the surroundings. Our footsteps are making music together.

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Daniel chuckled, his warm blue eyes meeting Joshua's. You're right, son. Nature's own symphony, isn't it?

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As they continued down the street, Joshua's gaze was drawn to the looming wrought-iron gates guarding the entrance to the graveyard. His curiosity piqued, he pointed towards the shadows cast by the ancient tombstones. Dad, who are the people inside there?

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Daniel followed the direction of Joshua's small finger, sighing inwardly as he recognized the innocence behind his son's question. Those are not people, Joshua, he explained gently. Those are graves, where the bodies of people who have passed away are laid to rest.

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Passed away? Joshua frowned, struggling to grasp the concept. Where did they go?

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Ah, that's a big question, Daniel replied, his voice soft yet strong. Let me try to explain it to you.

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Daniel glanced over at the graveyard, the iron gates casting twisted patterns on the ground beneath them. He felt the weight of Joshua's question and, with a gentle squeeze of his son's small hand, prepared himself for the conversation that lay ahead.

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But why are they in the big field, Dad? Joshua asked, furrowing his brow in confusion. Don't they have homes?

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Everyone needs a place to rest, Joshua, Daniel said softly, choosing his words with care. This is where their bodies find peace after they've left this world.

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Left this world? The boy's eyes widened as he tried to make sense of his father's explanation. Where did they go then?

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Taking a deep breath, Daniel searched for the right way to convey the complex truth to his young son. Their souls, the essence of who they are, continue on to a different place, Joshua. A place we can't see or visit.

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Like an adventure? Joshua's imagination sparked, momentarily replacing his confusion.

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Something like that, Daniel agreed, smiling despite the heaviness of the topic. A journey we all must take eventually.

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Even us? The innocence in Joshua's voice tugged at Daniel's heartstrings, and he nodded solemnly.

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Yes, even us. But not for a very long time, I hope. He paused, sensing the trepidation in his son. It's a natural part of life, Joshua. Just as we are born into this world, one day we must leave it behind.

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Joshua contemplated his father's words, his gaze drifting back to the silent graveyard. Will we still be together, Dad? Even when we're... gone?

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Always, Joshua, Daniel replied without hesitation, pulling his son closer. Our love will bind us together forever, no matter where our journeys lead.

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In the space between them, a new understanding took root, the invisible strands of life and Death weaving together in a delicate dance. And as they continued down the quiet street, Daniel knew he was ready to answer any more questions Joshua might have.

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The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows on the quiet street as Joshua and Daniel continued their walk. The fallen leaves rustled beneath their feet, and a chill breeze whispered through the air.

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Joshua, Daniel began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. He glanced down at his son's upturned face, searching for the right words. When people get very old or become ill, their bodies stop working. It's like when your favorite toy breaks and can't be fixed.

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Like Mr. Whiskers? Joshua asked, referring to the stuffed cat that had been his companion since infancy.

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Exactly, Daniel replied, gently squeezing Joshua's hand. And when that happens, they leave this world behind.

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Joshua's mouth formed a small 'o' as realization slowly dawned upon him. Does that mean they... died?

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Daniel hesitated, knowing the weight of his next words would forever alter his son's understanding of life. Yes, Joshua. They died.

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Did it hurt? The question came out in a whisper as if Joshua feared asking too loudly might make it more real.

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Sometimes, Daniel admitted, his heart aching for his son's innocence. But not always. It's different for everyone.

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Will I die too? And you? Joshua's deep brown eyes filled with tears, mirroring the pain etched in Daniel's own.

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Eventually, yes, Daniel said softly, feeling the gravity of the moment. But remember, my boy, Death is a natural part of life. It's like finishing a great book – the story may end, but its memory lives on in our hearts.

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A pregnant silence fell between them, interrupted only by the distant caw of a crow. In that stillness, father and son stood together, bound by a love that transcended time and space, facing the mysteries of life and Death with courage and grace.