Meet the Parents

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This is strange, where am I? It’s so dark, I can’t see anything. At least it's warm and cosy in here. Should I take a nap? Maybe I just woke up from one, I’m not sure but I don’t feel tired. Oh well, what should I do? I know, I’ll see if there’s anyone else around. I’d like to have a chat with someone. I don’t know why I think that. “Hello, anybody there?”

“Yes,” a male voice said.

“Hello, where are you?”

“I’m here.”

“Sorry I can’t see you at the moment.”

“I know.”

“Can you see me?”

“Yes.”

Well, that doesn’t seem fair but I’m not upset because it’s just for a time. I don’t know how I know that. Maybe this nice man knows, “Who are you?”

“Your father.”

“Oh, sorry I didn’t realise that.”

“That’s because we haven’t been introduced yet.”

“Do I have a mother too?”

“Yes.”

“Is she here?”

“Yes.”

“Can I speak with her?”

“You can but she won’t be able to respond to you yet. It’s not time.” That’s strange but okay, my father knows what he’s talking about, I can tell.

I began to hum a melody. I don’t remember ever doing that before but I know this tune really well. I like it. “Father?”

“Yes.”

“Can I call you Dad?”

“Of course you can.”

“Dad, how did I learn that tune I was just singing?”

“I taught you.”

“I don’t remember that.”

“I know.”

Dad sure likes to be vague sometimes, “Should I be concerned?”

He chuckled, “No child.”

“I like talking to you.”

“I like talking with you too.”

“I have more questions.”

“I know.”

“If you want a break or need to go for a while, I understand.”

“No child, I’ll never leave you alone.”

“That’s so nice.”

“Well, I love you dearly.”

I went to ask another question but notice something is different. I’m taking up more space and the warm wet walls of my room seem closer. I’d better check in about this, “Dad?”

“Yes.”

“What’s happening?” I love how I don’t have to explain to my Dad, he just knows me so well.

“You’re growing.”

“That’s amazing, you did that?”

“Yes.”

“That was so fast.”

“Yes and no. Remember when I described time to you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, it’s been over four and half months.”

“That can’t be right. I know we’ve been talking a lot but surely not for that long.”

“You’ve been so engaged with me you haven’t noticed.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. How much bigger will I get?”

“You have a fair way to go.”

I just remembered, “Dad, when will I be able to see you?”

“Very soon.”

Whoah, what was that? Dad has never made those sounds before. Sounded like a burp. I don’t think I like it. Some part of me moved automatically and hit my bedroom walls. I swear I didn’t do it myself. They’re still slimy but I like touching my walls with any part of me. Then I’m sure I heard something else, a distant muffled sound, a screeching noise. “Dad, what was that?”

“Well, you’re beginning to hear sounds from the outside world I’ve been telling you about. That was your mother.”

“Why did she make that sound?”

“She’s excited because she just felt you kick.”

“Really, I wouldn’t have thought that would be a nice thing to do.”

“That’s another example of something that will make sense to you much later on. Believe me when I say she’s very happy about it because she already loves you dearly. Your kick allowed her to feel you and connect with you even now.”

“That’s great, should I kick her all the time?”

Dad chuckled, “Not all the time. Remember you need to conserve energy for your growth. It will happen often enough. I’ve arranged it to bless both of you.”

Another sound came to my attention, a constant thumping. I like it. Dad said it was my mother’s heartbeat and that he made that too. Dad is very cool. I think I have more questions about this outside world and what it has to do with me. He told me soon I’ll be leaving my room and joining my earthly parents outside. I screamed for the first time, I’m quite loud. I did not see that one coming and no pun intended because I can’t see anything yet. “Say what?”

Dad’s voice and presence were so calming whether I was apprehensive or overly excited. He brought me back to myself. “You’re going to be a part of that big outside world I’ve been telling you about.”

“So I can see you out there?”

“I will always be there yes. You will see my world and other people. You won’t be able to see me like you will your earthly parents.”

“Why not?”

“Remember I told you the world has fallen sick because your elder brother and sister did the wrong thing a long time ago?”

“Yes, but you fixed it.”

“I’ve made the path freely available to everyone but my children won’t yet see my face.”

“Why?”

“They would not be able to live in my presence, but it’s only for a time. All of them, including you, if you choose, will first walk with me on this Earth then they will be with me forever.”

I don’t always understand Dad’s reasoning but I know he’s very clever and knows what he’s doing. He reminds me often that there are many things I can not yet comprehend. But the thought of seeing Dad excited me. “Then, I can see you?”

“Yes, all who want to. In the meantime, everyone can hear me and see my reflection if they choose. I leave big footprints.”

I laughed, “I’m sure you do. But will it be just as long as I’ve been in here?”

“Longer than that but still very fast. You think this was fast don’t you?”

“Yes, what is it now, five months?”

Dad chuckled, “Nearly nine months now.”

No way! I felt my eyes open but still see nothing. That means it's nearly time for me to evacuate. “I’m not ready yet. I still have so many more questions.”

“I know and you will find many answers on your journey outside.”

Dad is so patient and I appreciate that, I told him so too. I wanted to know everything about this journey I was going on. I demanded details of what to expect in what order and about the people I’m going to meet. Then I wanted to know about my mother and father and what my room would be like. I’ve become a bit demanding, haven’t I? Well, I have questions that need answers.

With his soothing voice, “Calm down child.”

Oh, Dad was right, I wasn’t calm. This is a feeling I don’t like at all. “I remember, you’ll always be with me.”

“This is the beginning of the path I set for all my people. It starts by having you leave your comfort zone.”

“Yes, so we can continue to grow and know you more and more.”

“Remember, you are a blessing to your parents, an answer to their deepest prayers and you know how much I love you.”

“Yes.” I have another question I’ve been hesitating to ask. “Dad, why do I have to do this? Why can’t I stay here and be with you all the time?”

“Firstly, your mother would not appreciate that for several reasons.” Dad graciously explained that for me, I get it. “Secondly, I have a purpose for you on Earth to get it ready for my return. Thirdly, my ways are not your ways. Do you trust me?”

“I do.”

There was some commotion outside, new muffled sounds. Suddenly, my room lost all the warm comfort I was laying in. This was new. “Dad?”

“Yes, it’s time.”

I began slipping. Something was happening behind my head, it was being sucked down some type of drain. “Daaaad!” He explained I’m actually upside down. I calmly suggested that was interesting information I could have used earlier.

“Now is the time for you to know. I’m here child, you will arrive safely.”

“I’m so glad I spent this time with you before going into the world. I’ll remember this, won’t I?

“My words are a part of you, so that part of you will, yes. However, you won’t consciously remember this or the early part of your upcoming journey until we meet in person.”

“I trust you Dad.”

“Search for me and you will find me, I have so much more to teach and show you. I love you, my child.”

I was being squeezed out head first, it was cold and I no longer felt cuddled. Such a bright light that I had to keep my eyes closed. My mother was making new, much louder squeals. Something grabbed my head. I wonder w…

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This short story was inspired by a prompt provided by Reedsy.com. If you're interested in participating or would like to read other short stories, you can find the Reedsy Weekly Writing Prompts by clicking here.

Prompt Used: Write a story that begins in the light and ends in darkness, or the other way around.