Mistaken Expectations

Roger finds himself in the waiting room. 300 words

Mistaken Expectations

“I thought it would be different,” Roger said to the old man behind the desk.

“Why do you say that?” the man replied.

“Well, Mr. Codger,” Roger said, due to the fact that he had read the name plate on the desk. “Where are the streets of gold and rivers of milk and honey?”

“Gotta keep up with the times, austerity has hit here too.”

“When do I get to meet God?”

“Who says you do! This is just a waiting room sonny, so wait.”

Roger, never the most patient man, sat for what seemed like hours. Others came and went and still he sat. Finally, he was so antsy, he began to pace.

The cloud floor held his weight well but was still a little bouncy. He began to enjoy it and took to making springy strides. He could feel Codger looking at him.

“It’s your turn for judgement,” he said finally.

On his next step, he went all the way over to the Judgement Hall. He knew that’s what it was because it had a balance scale over the entrance. Once inside, he was nearly blinded by the sword of Gabriel.

“Roger Milby, step forward.” the archangel intoned.

“Roger, I grant you a stay of judgement,” God said

“Thank you, Lord; but why?”

“I saw the joy you took in playing on the waiting rooms bouncy floor. It is the child still in you that I want to nourish. You are granted ten Heavenly years to learn.

“If you do, you will be permitted into Heaven. If not, I will have to send you to my fallen son, Satan”

A cloud of smoke and flame appeared.

“Why wait, Father? I have always said these humans were not worthy!”

“I will be Lord,” Roger whispered.

Satan vanished.