From:         Jill <ravenjil@getnet.com>
Subject:      Forever Not Challenge
 
FOREVER NOT
 
     The dawn crept in slowly, almost imperceptibly,
but Nick was waiting.  He glimpsed the slight movement
as a morning breeze began to stir the lace curtains at the
open window.  He felt the promise of a sweetly gentle spring
day in the fresh smells and faint sounds wafting in from outside.
    He had chosen to meet the day cautiously--he was sprawled
in a velvet covered chair, his legs stretched out in front of him,
watching the sunlight moving slowly toward his feet.  When
the first rays touched his shoes, he held his breath--then let it
out slowly as he felt the warmth.  He waited, but no smoke
trickled upward, no pain began its angry burning course up his
legs.  There was simply warmth and bright sunlight streaming
through the window.
     Nick watched with amazed delight as the sunbeams eased
their unfamiliar ways up his body.  He rose suddenly and strode
fully into the light.  The golden glow gave him a feeling of rebirth
and he laughed aloud with a rediscovered joy.  Finally!  A mortal
man again, free to live and love and parent and...  He stopped
suddenly in mid-thought. Natalie!  He had to tell Natalie!  She had
worked for this for so long--she had to be the first to know his
incredible news.  He imagined the look on her face when he told
her that her last batch of protein drinks had actually done the
 trick.
     He drove quickly, reveling in the sights and sounds of an ordinary
day.  He wanted to shout at the people he passed, Do you know how
marvelous the sunlight is?  He satisfied himself with an inane grin,
feeling  intoxicated with life, life!   Oh, Natalie--he laughed aloud as
he sat at the red light, drawing sidewise glances from other drivers.
     It seemed only moments before he turned into the drive of Natalie's
home.  He slammed on the brakes and jumped from the car.  He raced
to her babbling like an idiot of the wondrous miracle.  Nat, it finally
happened, you were right!  I stuck with the protein drinks just as you
said and look at me, Nat!   I'm alive again!  Oh, Natalie, my darling,
sweet Natalie, how can I ever thank you?"
     He fell to his knees and reached out with both hands, grasping for
the warmth she had never withheld. He looked up with salty tears of joy
and sadness and whispered, "Oh Nat, if it only could have happened a
century ago."
        The old couple strolled past, wondering idly about the blond man
laughing and crying in front of the marble monument.  They held hands
tightly as the sight reminded them of their own separation soon to come.
They both wished--if only immortality were real.
 
END