One Soul, Subdivided

by Edd

Since the treaty, the gates of Heaven open once every ten years. My folks took me when I was twelve, and now it’s our turn to take Emily. She’s ten, but that’s plenty old enough.

Our group is met by Saint Lydwina of Schiedam. Everyone is restored to their full body on attaining Heaven, so she’s got her skin back. The only sign of the disease that once ravaged her is an ornamental blood-trail from her nose down one side of her face. Emily thinks it might make a good tat to go with her nostril-ring. “Ironic, you know,” she says.

It’s a package tour, so we’re rushed past the robe & harp storerooms, the mansions, the throne. Everybody gets a small packet of Manna® for free. I admire the Heaven’s Own® golf clubs, but the price tag is too steep.

Everybody wants a little piece of your soul these days. Now they know they’re real.