by Bill O. A
“I agree,” replied George. “But the ancient gods don’t see it that way.”
“What gods?” asked Mark. “You already said they were now powerless because no one worships them.”
“Yes, they are powerless but not dead,” replied George. “You see, if Taiye’s soul had started the journey to the underworld and he hasn’t been allowed to cross over because his physical body hasn’t been buried, then there might be an issue of when Amy did actually touch him. Hence there is a slight possibility that when Amy made body contact, Taiye’s soul had left his body and he had started the journey to the underworld.”
“But that doesn’t make sense. The young girl has been enjoying her night’s sleep without any experiences, this angle you have presented doesn’t add up.”
“That’s exactly my point. A situation may exist that no one knows what might transpire if the ghost man finally dies, and Amy’s body contact with him was after he started this journey.”
“Oh my God,” said Mark. “How do we explain this to the Joneses?”
“We wouldn’t need to,” replied the professor.
“I can assume you have a plan then,” said Mark.
“Yes, I do. Three days ago, I heard of a medium in Greece who has brought predictions from the ancient gods to her community. Her accuracy has generated quite some following for her. I am on my way to see her and to send questions to the ancient Greek god of wisdom.”
“And which of the ancient gods is he?” asked Mark.
“She is a goddess, known as Athena. I am sure counsel with her will reveal any confusion as it is.”
“Are you saying you are in Greece already?” asked Mark.
“Kalamata International Airport to be precise. That is why you couldn’t reach me on my cell earlier, my flight just touched down.”
“George, I know your motive is professional and all, but aren’t you going too far on this matter? Planning to consult with Greek ancient gods through a medium is the height of things, especially when Taiye’s health has improved and he could wake up at any time. And when he does, all Amy has to do is give him another handshake just in case your soul-out-of-body theory is even founded.”
“I am a historian and destiny has thrown this matter in my hands. The best I can do is solve any potential riddle and prepare posterity for what is to come in another thousand years. It is most likely that the matter has come to an end, but the 1% chance that a new twist might exist bothers me.”
“Okay my friend,” replied Mark. “I wish you well on your further quest.”
“Thank you,” responded George.
The historian cum archaeologist put his cell phone in his jacket and adjusted his hand luggage so he could roll it easily. Once he got outside, he approached a taxi at the terminal nearby and gave an address in Sparti, Laconia. The driver got out and put George’s luggage in the trunk of the vehicle.
George opened the taxi door and was about to get in when a truck drove up and parked beside his cab. He looked up briefly just to make sure everything was all right, but instead he was transfixed. The image on the side of the truck took up almost nine tenths of its space. He kept on looking at the image; the picture on the side of the truck had probably been seen by every human alive since it was made. The first immortal and the first mortal, arms outstretched and fingers almost touching, it was a copy of the fresco by Michelangelo Buonarroti. The current location of the original is at the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome. The Creation of Adam is truly iconic, thus George took his view of the painting as a sign.
He came back to reality and got into his cab. Once seated, he went to the Google Maps app on his cell and typed in the address where the medium lady resided. It would be a fifty-eight-minute drive to her location, but what interested him most was the few hours afterwards once he got to his destination.
In an act of solace, he brought out his Bible and opened his favourite book; there was a tiny piece of thread lying between the pages which eased his search. He began to read the words of Christ as the taxi drove off, peacefully.