Page 80 of Abel

Looking around, I see trees and the most colorful, vibrant flowers you can imagine. A stream of water flows right next to me as I hear birds chirping.

There are so many animals here, but no people.

It’s absolutely beautiful.

All of a sudden, I hear the most magical voice known to mankind. “It’s time for you to go back, child.”

“Go back where?” I ask, completely dumbfounded.

“To your family. It’s not time for you to come home yet.” The voice sounds so loud, like it’s in my head but all around me at the same time.

“But it’s so pretty, peaceful, and quiet here. I don’t think I want to leave.”

Speaking with authority, the voice tells me, “That isn’t for you to decide.” I hear rustling, but I’m unable to see the cause of it. “Your parents, they are there too.”

“My parents? Yeah right. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. They’re dead to me.”

“Listen to me, daughter, your parents are with you, and you must find it in your heart to forgive them for their sins.” I don’t know about that. “Do not defy me, child!” Something begins to shake, instill fear in my already frail body.

“Yes, sir, I’m sorry.”

“Good. They have repented for their sins and vow to be there for you, in order for you to come back when it’s time, you have to find it in your heart to forgive those who harm you or cause you pain. Forgiveness and love will set you free.”

Slowly, I start to fade away from the beautiful place filled with every shade of green you can imagine.

“You get your fucking ass in there and save your daughter! I don’t care which one of you does it, but you better fucking do it.! If she dies, you’rebothdead.” Abel!

The love of my life.

Why does he sound so far away? I can’t see him beyond this beautiful place.

“It took us a while to find her. I still don’t believe we are the ones that did, yet here she is.” Travis! If he’s here that means...

“Yeah, so there’s that.” Camden says, and I can feel my lip twitch into a smile. “Hey, look at that! Her lip just quivered.”

I try to speak so I can tell him how dramatic he’s being, but nothing comes out.

“Ivy? Sweet brown, come back to me. Our daughter needs you.Ineed you.” A single tear cascades down the side of my cheek as I get choked up. Not being able to talk sucks. “Both your parents are here. They’re gonna save you, you just have to hang on.” Abel whispers, nipping the shell of my ear.

Oh how I love it when he does that. It sends a cosmic shock through my whole body.

“If we’re doing this, it needs to happen now. She’s already lost a lot of blood.” I recognize my primary doctor’s voice.

“Move the fuck out of my way! Where is my daughter? I want to see my baby!” I wish I had the strength to call out to her. To let her know that I’m not mad anymore because she left. I don’t understand why she did it, but I forgive her. “Oh, my sweet girl.” She says, tenderly, but then I hear her say, “What the fuck did you do to her?” She yells when it sounds like she’s hitting something or someone.

“Dahlia,vongole te stesso, you are making yourself look like a fool.” Santiago steps in, trying to calm her down.

“Toglimi le mani di dosso.” She growls. Great, I’m the only one who doesn’t speak the native tongue. “What do I have to do?” She asks.

I can hear the doctor telling them what happens next before the loud silence fills the room.

Slowly opening my eyes, greeted by the blinding, overhead light, I crane my head from left to right. Everything is still foggy, except for the dreams I had.

I still don’t know what to think of that voice.

There’s got to be a logical explanation.

“Ivy?” I hear Abel’s voice break through the fog.

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