Wanderer (1111 words, really!)
Try as he might, it was like no one could see him. Russel kept his thumb held up and continued walking along the freeway. He counted at least two dozen trucks passing him by but not a single one came to a stop to lend a helping hand. In the distance he saw a destination board, the nearest city or town over a hundred miles away. This was going to take a while to reach on foot, he thought to himself.
The last thing Russel could remember was sitting up in a hospital bed, surrounded by the few friends and family that cared to make it. He was dying of something but he never could understand anything the doctors said because all that mattered is he was dying and there wasnt anything they could do. He remembered closing his eyes because he just felt so tired. The next thing he knew, he found himself waking up on the side of a freeway. He sat for hours trying to hail anyone for a ride, but the only progress he made was deciding on what direction to start walking towards.
West. They all seem to be going west.
He began running through different possibilities through his mind. Was all that in the hospital a dream? He could not recall ever being out in the middle of nowhere, miles away from a city, so how did he end up here? Why was he walking instead of driving? Did someone just drop him out in the middle of nowhere after they thought he died?
No, that doesnt make sense. There would be a funeral and everything. Someone would have noticed that I
my body was missing.
Another half dozen vehicles passed but as before, none of them stopped. Russel had not set his arm down for hours. He wondered why he didnt feel the need to switch arms or just give up entirely. His muscles didnt ache, and now he wondered if he was alive at all. He placed his hand over his chest and could feel the beat. And again. Then he checked his wrists for a pulse and then his neck for good measure. His pulse was there. Why wasnt he tired yet?
If Im dead, why do I have a heartbeat? If Im alive, why dont I feel tired at all?
By the time the sun had started set, Russel had reached another destination board.
Socahtowa 20
Must be a small town, he thought to himself. At least when he arrived he would get the help he needed.
Welcome to Socahtowa!
Population 5,916
It had become completely dark out by the time he reached the towns limits. He figured it might be a few more miles of walking before he got to the centre of town. Russel thought that he might as well reward walking all day by taking a break.
I guess a night under the stars wouldnt hurt.
Russel wasnt feeling tired even after that day-long walk but decided that he had earned some rest. He closed his eyes and as far as he knew, he drifted into sleep. He woke with the sun in his eyes and felt rejuvenated, even though he did not feel tired the night before.
Upon reaching the town centre, he noticed people darting in and out of storefronts and other buildings. Russel tried getting their attention by yelling, waving his arms anything he could muster. No one seemed to pay any attention to him. It was as if he were invisible.
What am I, invisible or something? Sir! Over here! Excuse me please! Miss? Hello?
Growing frustrated at being ignored, he took matters in his own hands. He approached a man as he was window shopping and tried to tap his shoulder. Instead, his hand passed through the mans shoulder. The man gave off a small shudder and then walked away from the window. Russel just stood in silence, staring at his hand. He went to grab a nearby trash can. Solid. He could feel it, so did not understand what happened moments ago.
He tried again and again. He hand passed through someone else. Then another. Someone from behind him walked straight through him and continued on their way.
What the hell is going on? Am I a ghost? No, no, no. I have a heartbeat. It has to be something else!
He placed his hand on his chest again to console himself. The beat was still there.
Distraught, he headed to the fountain at the nearby park and just sat on the edge for hours, trying to explain to himself what just happened. Was he really a ghost? Or were all these people illusions? Maybe he really was hallucinating, that would explain it, he thought.
Im probably
probably hallucinating right? I was walking out in the sun for hours. Maybe Im still there! Wake up! He slapped himself but nothing happened. He tried to pinch himself. All he could produce was a loud OUCH!
Hey you, over there!
Russel looked up into the crowd of people at the park and couldnt make out the voice. He looked behind but couldnt see anyone.
You, with the mopey face! By the fountain!
Russel scanned around the area but there was no one but him. Someone crazy just shooting their mouth? He looked up and noticed a woman with a brown top and jeans walking towards him.
Yeah, you. Its not a dream you know. Names Angela.
You can see me?
Your mother didnt teach you any manners?
Sorry?
I was asking your name, mopey face. Unless thats what you prefer...
Oh. Russel. What do you mean it isnt a dream?
Saw you slap and pinch yourself. Its not a dream.
If it isnt a dream then, what is it?, asked Russel.
Youre dead. Guess they missed your arrival. Happens sometimes.
Im dead? Are you sure? Russel seemed distraught by the revelation.
Its not that big of a deal. So am I., she answered.
Okay
what did say about being missed?
Someone
upstairs should have come to help you along shortly after you died. Guess they arent always the punctual type, Angela explained.
So I guess that makes me a ghost?
I guess you could put it that way. Cmon, take my hand, well get this all sorted out.
Where are we going?, asked Russel.
Upstairs, I like to call it. Some call it Heaven, some call it the Hereafter, she sighed, guess I didnt have anything better to do today anyway.
What were you doing before you found me?, asked Russel.
I was just about to go for a walk.
