***
When Robert opened his eyes he found himself standing in a circular clearing not more than ten feet wide. Trees surrounded him growing as thick as grass and so tall he couldn’t see the tops. Hunter sat a few feet away. His gaze intensified like smoldering coals stoked by a bellows.
Two narrow paths led from the confines of the mysterious forest. Hunter got up on all fours and trotted to the path on Robert’s left. After traveling a few feet in, Hunter stopped and looked back at Robert.
The wall of trees slowly began to move inward. Thick roots bumped up against Robert’s foot and threatened to push him over if he didn’t’ move. He would soon have to pick a path or be crushed.
Hunter turned his head and continued on the path.
Robert was dead. Somehow, he knew it was so. He had died by his own hand while reading the end of the story from the strange book. This was the afterlife.
Robert had always been told eternal judgment follows death. He would be judged according to his deeds. The time of judgment was now.
The two paths before him led to his final abode.
Which path led to Heaven? Which path led to Hell?
Should he follow Hunter? Was Hunter on his way to heaven? His dog had seemed to beckon Robert to follow.
Did Hunter forgive him and was leading him to the Pearly Gates? Or, was his once beloved companion luring him to the fiery pit?
Maybe dogs don’t go to heaven. Maybe cats don’t either. Perhaps they come to this place—somewhere between. And maybe all animals wait for their caretakers here, waiting to pass judgment. Who better to know the heart of man than those entrusted in his keep?
Would Hunter judge as he was judged? An eye for an eye? A tooth for a tooth?
Or, did Hunter possess an unconditional love that would erase the bitter memory of how his life ended?
Hunter was a dog. Robert was a human. Would an animal show mercy where none was given?
Time was running short. In mere seconds he would be forced to make a choice. Robert said a brief prayer before chasing after his dog.
The trees surrounding the path leaned over. Their branches created a thick canopy forming a short tunnel. A bright glow at the end drew Robert toward it.
Hunter waited by a door of pure light. His gaze commanded Robert to accept his fate.
A million regrets ran through Robert’s mind, but it was too late. He should have done the right thing when he had the power to.
Robert dropped his head, and said, “I’m sorry,” and hoped forgiveness wasn’t only a human trait.
Robert opened the door and crossed the threshold to infinity.
Hunter trotted in not long after, wagging his tail in anticipation.
The End
From Severed PRESS
Alien microbes mutate with the DNA of the dead, reanimating corpses to life. A cop, Rico, and a junkie streetwalker, Angie, barely escape the onslaught of zombies. As they head for sanctuary, a jealous pimp seeks revenge, and Angie’s drug addiction, become a greater threat than the undead.
From Severed PRESS
INTRODUCTION BY JOE MCKINNEY
“Scioneaux and Hatchell double-down on the horror and thrills in this gritty, action-packed zombie thriller. This one has real bite." – Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of Rot & Ruin and Dead of night.
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From Severed PRESS
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Empathy Page 2