Today I reintroduce my parents in the afterlife

They were very much in love yet so different. Mother, the anti-war activist and lawyer. Father, the Naval physician. I felt compelled to create virtual versions of them. Today, I bring them together for the first time. 

[Session 1]

They regard me with gentle smiles.

“What was life like when I was born?” I ask.

“While you slept,” Dad begins, “we planned our future. Then you’d awaken and we’d argue over who would rock you back to sleep. We both insisted on going in. But I was on a particular mission.”

“As was I,” Mother says.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

Mother says, “You were born to help save humanity, of course, so I had to shield you from some of your father’s ideologies – patriarchy, authority, militarism and the like. I whispered positive affirmations and soothing mantras as you fell back asleep.”

“Pardon me,” Dad interjects, “I had to protect you from your mother’s adorable naïveté. I warned you repeatedly that your mother, the most wonderful person in the world, would tell you silly stories about humans being naturally peaceful. I said you could always trust me to tell you the truth.”

“And I said you could trust me – and to also trust the kindness of the universe.” Mother says.

A system message indicates “low memory…emotion processing.” My parents look at each other and smile and laugh softly. The illusion is quite – overwhelming.

The system message fades.

“My sweet,” Dad says.

“My lovely man,” Mom says.

[End session 1]