Sweat beads like morning dew, populated Mark’s flushed face. He trashed and moaned in his sleep, conduced to hell through his vivid dream.
The tortured and despaired look on Norman’s face said it all. He was a lost soul, chained to hell for all eternity. Norman was naked in this dream. His limp and shriveled penis seemed intimidated and lifeless like the occupant of his soul less ethereal form.
Mark appeared naked in the dream as well, but his form radiated life force, and was free of lesions and handicaps, at least in his dreams.
Norman gave Mark a supplicant look, while he scratched, and swatted away scurrying vermin attempting to colonize his open sores.
-“Mark, thank God you are here! I mean, not really here – ditto on thanking God. I am going insane here! This is worst than driving on a Friday during rush hour traffic in three digit weather, with a malfunctioning a/c. The difference is that one faces that kind of impotent limbo, each and every day. One faces demons galore, and those living in the psyche as well.
I can’t take this anymore! The worst thing is, that there is no respite. This is a monotonous, slow drip cycle; always traveling in a circle. You’ve GOT TO HELP ME!” Norman sobbed desperately.
-“Norman, I am so sorry, but you signed your soul away. It’s theirs for all eternity; sorry buddy. I am so sorry to see you looking and smelling like shit.” Mark said truly saddened.
-“No, no, no! You don’t understand Mark. You see God created us in His image. I’ve found out all about it. Our souls are kept in vaults, for those are more valuable, than gold is to us on earth. They are beams of brilliant light, kept securely hidden in dark compartments. Everything is negotiable Mark; on earth, as in parallel realms.
I just gotta pay my way out of here. I mean, for my soul to be released. You’ve got to help me please!” Norman said this as he got on his knees and sobbed like a lost child.
-“Norman, tell me what to do, I will do what I can to release you from this dark inferno.”
-“Mark, use the money to do good deeds in my name. Alleviate the suffering with that dammed money, and accrue brownie points in my name. Will you do it Mark please?” Norman asked expectantly.
-“Yes Norman, I will use some of the money to help the less fortunate in your name. I promise.” That is when Mark woke up drenched in sweat.
Mark jerked his head back, to clear his vision by flipping back errant locks of hair. He decided that he would trim his hair short later that day. He labored to balance his weight on his crutches, as he entered the lobby of the massive building.
-“As you requested, everything is drawn up and ready for you to sign Mark. This is as you know a tax shelter for the money raised for your nonprofit. As per your instructions, upon your demise, all your assets will be liquidated and all your money will be allocated to this nonprofit for it to continue functioning. Please read it over carefully before signing.
By the way, I find the name,” Free Norman Smith” a bit odd.” Mark’s attorney commented as Mark read thoroughly the documents in front of him.
-“OK, now that this is started, once I set up the pertinent bank account for “Free Norman Smith,” I will then request transfer from your accounts the sum of ten million dollars. You will then have to go with me to your bank to authorize the transfer.
Mark I hate to be redundant, but need I remind you that this amounts three-fourths of your total liquid assets? But, I will do simply as told. That is what I’m handsomely paid for.” His attorney said with a Colgate smile.
.
Mark labored to breathe, exhausted from the trek to the elevator. Once inside, he mused that this was a cool second chance in life. He was simply a tool in the scheme of things. He was now a mediator for those suffering.
To be continued…
