Flash’s mind wandered off, as it had a habit of doing. He’d seen marvelous visions of the universe that had never been seen by human eyes before. He’d traveled back in time to meet with a president, and traveled even further back to meet beasts that were long extinct on earth. He had encountered unexpected life forms and witnessed kindness in unlikely places.
He never could have guessed that he would be swimming in the air with whales. The sun felt hot on his face, but the breeze was cool. Up here, the beams of colored light faded and blended into the pale blueness of the sky.
While he observed these facts, he felt detached from the physical world around him. Rather, his mind was filled with a sense of gratitude. He had no agenda, no plans or responsibilities. He was neither nervous nor bored, aloft in the air over Olo. Somewhere above him, the mother ship waited. The heavens end where the skies turn blue. As unlikely as it was , this is where Flash found himself.
Eventually, his thoughts turned back to his daughter, who had gone on her own to the mountains, and Lem, who stayed inside the TNI2. He smiled. His smile became a chuckle as he reflected on how joyous and absurd his life was. Flash began to laugh. Up high above the people on the ground, even higher than the friendly whales, Flash’s body erupted into a full belly laugh which no one but he could hear. He laughed until he cried. Hot tears bubbled up from a well of sadness and hurt, then ran down his face. Flash felt a release, as his body heaved with emotion.
He felt empty. Drained, yet full. He felt inspired and empowered.
Minutes passed, or was it hours? And Flash could feel that he was descending. It was slow at first, but he gained momentum until eventually he was in a free fall. The ground rushed up at him, but still, he was unafraid.
He came down on the tail fluke of a whale and slid smoothly down the ridge of its back. He landed on his feet where the colors came together on the crystal plain.
Buffy turned toward Flash, whose heart was racing from the free fall and whale slide which deposited him next to her, and asked “will you accompany us to the castle?”
Flash could hardly speak, with so much adrenaline coursing through his body. The king and queen were so calm, had they not noticed his ascent into the sky and subsequent drop?
“Please,” the king added matter-of-factly, and motioned toward the white whale upon which they had arrived. They seemed oblivious to Flash’s thrill ride.
He climbed up onto the back of the giant, and the royal couple took their places with him. It sailed smoothly and slowly above the ground, and the people cheered and waved as they passed. Following the lay of the land, the whale rose up the mountainside, casting its shadow across the iridescent cliffs.
Flash was exhausted. He just wanted a quiet place where he could be alone to rest and recharge.
They crested the cliffs, and passed above a spiny ridge that encircled a rolling meadow. In the middle, stood the castle that Flash had seen as he departed from Olo on his last visit.
The whale sailed on silently and smoothly. It’s back was rubbery and the purest white. The light reflected off of it so that Flash had to squint. He felt comfortable and secure. An amethyst runway led to the main gate. The walls appeared more impressive as they approached.
For whatever harm I have caused others, may they forgive me.
For whatever harm others have caused me, may I forgive them.
For whatever harm I have caused myself, I forgive myself.
Really interesting episode!