Sunset

We continued up the stairs as Faulkner continued to try and explain how Hell and forgiveness works. "Look, just stay humble and try to put yourself in other people's shoes. NO REALLY, like actually do it. You should be fine. And try to apologize for something at least once a week, maybe more." The stair case finally opened up and suddenly we were back in the woods. It was evening and I thought I could just make out a familiar ridge that would lead me back to my car. I stopped and looked at Faulkner. "So what about Purgatory? And Heaven? Do I get to see all of those?" I asked. He shook his head. "I'm afraid Paradise always puts me to sleep. You wouldn't understand anything that's going on anyways. Imagine being trapped in a Christmas Tree, except you're happy about it and having a great time, and that's kinda how Heaven works. And as far as Purgatory goes...well, lets face it. All of those sins we just looked at are pretty easy to solve. Most of the people who commit social annoyances just have to sit under a rock naked for a few years before we let them go up to Heaven. So, we can just skip it." I was sad that the tour was finally over, that I'd have to leave Faulkner behind, and we both turned to look out over the landscape. It was a gorgeous night, the kind where the moon lights things up so well that you can practically see as if it were day. Even if you were in the woods, things would make sense. I turned to ask Faulkner another question, but when I looked for him he was gone. On the ground was a silver flask that still reeked of whiskey. I picked it up with a smile and headed down the ridge back to my car.