| “One glass?” he questioned. “Do you need more?” The man picked up the small glass and began stirring the sweet-smelling red punch with a ladle he held in the other hand. “You miss your wife and child, don’t you?” asked the man dressed as Odysseus. “You know ...” Lewis eyed the man more suspiciously than before. “We all know.” Odysseus nodded. He filled the glass and handed it to Lewis. Lewis lifted the glass and held it near his mouth, suddenly not sure he should drink. His host sensed his hesitation and laughed. “It’s not poisoned,” he said. “Would you like for me to drink some, too?” He lifted the ladle and sipped from it, swallowing loudly. Grinning sheepishly, but still unsure, Lewis took a small drink from the cup. He swallowed, and then noted the aftertaste, a thick, coppery, salty taste. “There’s blood in here!” He dropped the cup to the table, where it overturned and spread its contents in a shining puddle. “What the hell are you trying to – ” Lewis choked on the words as he looked up from the spilled fluid. “It is Halloween,” he heard Odysseus say, but Lewis barely took notice of the words. The warehouse was filled with people. They stood in bunches and talked amongst themselves, or flitted from group to group carrying news and gossip. Children scuttled among the adults, playing tag, laughing and shouting. Everyone kept glancing toward the table where he stood, Lewis realized, dumbfounded by what he was beholding. “Your eyes have adjusted?” asked the voice of Odysseus. “I – But – Where did they come from?” “The Realm of Death, of course.” There was a smile in the man’s voice. “Here comes someone you will recognize.” Lewis turned, and his eyes widened as he saw Beth part from the crowd and move toward him, her arms outstretched. He ran to her and they embraced, her cold lips finding his and kissing him passionately. “I missed you,” Beth whispered. “How can this happen?” Lewis asked, but before Beth could respond, the voice of Odysseus was ringing over the throng. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he called, “Our guest has arrived and tasted the drink we offered. Let the festivities begin.” He clapped, and from somewhere came soft, urgent music. Beth grasped his arms and began leading him in a dance Lewis did not recognize. All around them, other couples paired up and began moving with the rhythm of the music. “I don’t understand,” Lewis whispered. “You don’t need to,” Beth answered. “Just be with me, dance with me and love me.” Lewis pulled her closer and they danced to the unending music, tears of happiness running down his face. Finally he was able to ask, “What about Brandon? Is he here?” “Yes, he’s playing with the other kids,” Beth said. She looked around, and then pointed. “There he is.” |