Page 28 of Deliverance

“Come, let us send off our friends.”

He led her to his garden, the one that both Simeon and Kijani loved so much. Mateo stood by Eloy’s side as he released Simeon’s ashes into the cool breeze that blew at that very moment.

“Goodbye, my friend, until we meet again,” Eloy said.

“Be at peace, Simeon,” Odessa said, then she knelt and dug a small hole for Kijani’s ashes. Eloy joined her until the hole was deep enough and together, they tilted the bowl upside down and poured Kijani’s ashes into the ground. “Be at peace, Kijani… finally.”

“Goodbye, my friend… we will meet again. I forgive you,” Eloy said, then he rose and helped Odessa rise as well.

The two gods stood in silence, staring off into the distance for several minutes before Odessa spoke. “What will we gods tell the humans when they notice that Kijani and Simeon are absent?”

Eloy sighed. “I have thought about this. We will tell them the truth. That the gods have parted this plane to return to the heavens to watch over all. Let them believe we work together in this. That way, we can guide them better if they believe we can see all from the heavens and the earth.”

“And when they see us age?” she asked.

“Then we will tell them our time on this earth is coming to an end. Hopefully, they will see that we have given them heaven on earth and if they, too, wish to continue to live in paradise in the afterlife, they will continue to live in harmony,” Eloy said.

Odessa nodded. “This one wonders if, not that she is human, she may one day bear offspring.”

Eloy looked at her now, his mouth slightly open, yet he remained speechless.

Odessa turned to him and smiled. “This one wonders if Titus’ seed will take root in this human vessel and if so, what being will be born? A divine one or human?”

Eloy cleared his throat. “A mystery, one to be seen. Is that what you want?”

Odessa nodded, then shrugged. “This one will accept the gift of life if it comes.”

Eloy took her hand into his own, and bringing it to his lips, placed a gentle kiss on her soft skin. “Then I hope you can bear life, my friend. Something you and Titus can share.” He released her hand and she leaned in, giving him a loving hug.

“This one will leave you now… she has her own human to attend to,” Odessa said as she released Eloy.

“Then you must not keep him waiting.” Eloy grinned, then put his arm around Mateo, holding him close.

Odessa nodded, walking off toward her waiting limousine.

Eloy looked at Mateo. “How have your mother and sister settled in?”

Mateo grinned widely. “They love living inside the temple and being close to me. Thank you.”

Eloy kissed him. “For you, anything.”

“Are you all right?” Mateo asked, gesturing toward Kijani’s grave.

Eloy looked down, then back at him. “I am. I just do not want to waste a moment of life with you. Let us say we make the most of the time we have, eh?” he asked with a wink.

Mateo blushed. “You are a dirty god.”

Eloy laughed. “And horny.”

“That too,” Mateo joked, then darted off toward the temple.

Eloy let him get a head start, then chased after him towardtheirbedroom. Yes, life was now worth living for him as well.

The End.