Here On Earth: Chapter 12

"Tina?" Nick whispered at first, then called a little more loudly. "Tina?"
"Yes, baby." The flash of light came suddenly, then faded as Tina approached Nick.
"I…I've made my decision," He said quietly.
"Are you ready to tell me, or do you want to wait a little while? Like three minutes…two now."
"I think I wanna say it now." Nick stood up taller, taking a deep breath and preparing himself for what he was about to say.
"Whatever you decide, honey, the other person won't remember ever having this experience. Only you and the person you choose will remember."
"Well, there won't be 'the other person'."
"You mean, you're not going to choose either one?"
"No."
"Well, then you will live with that guilt for the rest of your life, baby! You don't want that do you?" Tina's face showed pure confusion. "Why won't you choose?"
"Because I don't want to have to choose."
"But you have a chance to let one of them live again! Here on earth with you!" Tina was hurt by Nick's words, at his not choosing.
"No, not with me."
Tina gave him a look of confusion. "What do you mean, child?"
"I mean, I want you to take my life for both of theirs. I want both of them to live again. I can't choose. They are great to everybody that they both come in contact with. They've affected a bunch of people. I can't choose." Nick stepped closer to Tina. "Take me in exchange for one of their lives."
"Well…I guess we could do that…I never said we couldn't." Tina looked at Nick with compassionate eyes. "You are a wonderful person, Nickolas Gene Carter, and you will be rewarded."
Nick shut his eyes at the bright light and waited to die.

Chapter 13
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