Chapter Five: Life After Death (2)
"They're building them for themselves," the angel explained. "Some will build ten houses, some five, and others only one. It depends on their sins. Those who rest too much might end up staying here forever."
The angel added, "These houses could have been built on earth through acts of mercy, giving to the poor, paying tithes, and helping others. But if someone leaves their house unfinished on earth, they must complete it here, in purgatory."
The angel pointed to a distant building. "Now, go there and begin your work."
The man nodded and walked toward the building as the angel left him to start his labor.
The Book of Life
The angel who was asked to open the book received another book. He approached the front and faced the crowd, holding it with reverence.
As he opened the book, a smile spread across his face. Suddenly, a woman stepped gently from the crowd, her eyes drawn to the book the angel was holding. In an instant, a vision unfolded before her.
The vision revealed moments from her life: she had given alms to the needy—a hungry man who had prayed for her in gratitude. She then saw herself immersed in the Word of God, passionately preaching the gospel.
The scene shifted to her kindness toward her housemaid, offering her clothes and money, which brought joy to the girl's heart. Another image showed a friend approaching her for a loan. When the friend struggled to repay, she told her, "Don't worry about the payment. Your friendship means more to me."
As the vision faded, the angel closed the book. In that moment, her clothes transformed into a radiant white, unstained and pure. A crown appeared above her head, and she was gifted a handkerchief—a symbol of her faith.
From the throne, a voice resonated, "Well done, my faithful servant. You are welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven."
Instantly, wings sprouted from her back, and she found herself soaring through the sky. Below, she glimpsed a breathtaking landscape filled with magnificent mansions and angels riding on horses.
An angel approached her, saying, "Come with me. Let me show you your house and the horse you will ride." The angel led her to a splendid abode, with a majestic horse standing proudly in front.
"That is your new home, and this is the horse you will ride," the angel declared, pointing to the beautiful building.
Meanwhile, the angel who had opened the book turned to another page, and a man stepped forward from the crowd, standing before him with a sense of trepidation.
The man saw a vision of himself in the angel's book. He worked as a gatekeeper at a church, tirelessly sweeping the compound, washing the pastor's clothes, and fetching water. He lived in a modest hut, and one day, his son approached him with a look of despair.
"Father, I'm hungry," the boy lamented.
"Don't worry, my son. God will provide. I'll go to my friend's house and borrow some money until my salary arrives," the man reassured him.
He set off on foot to his friend's house. On his way, he noticed a wallet lying on the ground.
"Someone might be looking for this," he thought. He decided to wait for its owner. Soon, a man appeared, scanning the area in distress.
"Mister, what are you looking for?" he asked.
"I'm looking for my wallet," the man replied, anxiety evident in his voice.
"Is this yours?" he asked, holding it out.
"Yes! Thank you so much! Where did you find it?"
"I found it here," he replied, handing the wallet back.
"Oh, I am so grateful! You are a good man. Please, let me give you something in return." The man handed him a small amount of money before they parted ways.
Feeling joyful, the man returned home. On his way, he encountered an elderly man begging for food.
"Good afternoon, sir. I haven't eaten since yesterday," the old man said, his voice trembling.
Compassionate, the man offered him some money from what he had received for returning the wallet before continuing home.
When he arrived, he shared some of the money with his son, who rushed out to buy food. As the vision in the book dissipated, his clothing transformed into a brilliant white, immaculate and pure.
"Follow me," an angel beckoned, leading him into a lush, beautiful garden.
In the garden, he marveled at the numerous trees and flowing rivers. He spotted a woman riding a lion and another man playing with tigers, their laughter echoing through the serene landscape.
A year had passed since Stella's death, and though the pain still lingered, Jack decided to move on with his life.
He recalled a woman he used to chat with on Facebook—her name was also Stella, Stella Martins. She was beautiful, and their conversations had always been light and enjoyable.
One evening, Jack gathered the courage to send her a message: "I've been thinking about you, and I have to say—I'm in love."
Stella Martins responded cautiously, "I'll need time to think about this," but the conversation continued pleasantly.
A few days after agreeing to be Jack's girlfriend, Stella was preparing for their first official date. Jack, excited but trying to appear calm, had suggested they meet at a nearby restaurant—a casual spot with a swimming pool in the courtyard that added to its relaxed atmosphere.
Stella arrived early and called Jack to let him know she was there. The restaurant wasn't fancy, with plastic chairs and tables, but it had a calm, inviting feel. She chose a table by the window, occasionally glancing at the pool outside as she waited.
Jack arrived a few minutes later, his excitement obvious despite his attempt to play it cool. He spotted her and waved, making his way over.
"Hey," he said, his nerves betraying him through his smile.
"Hey," she replied with a smile of her own.
"How's your day going?" he asked, sitting down across from her.
"I'm good," Stella replied. "How about you?"
"Great, even better now," Jack said, settling in. "What are you in the mood for?"
"I think I'll have fried rice, salad, and chicken," she said.
"Your favorite?"
She nodded, then added playfully, "And I can cook it too."
Jack chuckled, visibly more at ease. "Good to know," he teased, signaling a waiter. He ordered their meal, along with a bottle of wine to celebrate.
As they ate, Jack began to open up. He spoke about his late wife, who had also been named Stella. "Losing her was the hardest thing I've ever been through," he said softly.
Stella listened attentively, offering silent sympathy. Jack then mentioned his daughter, Samba, his face lighting up as he talked about her. It was clear how much his family meant to him.
Just as they finished eating, Stella's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned slightly before answering.
"Hello, Grandma," she greeted.
"Good afternoon, dear. I need to see you right away," her grandmother's voice was gentle but firm.
"I'll be there soon," Stella promised, ending the call.
"Everything alright?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, my grandmother needs to see me. It seems important."
"Let me give you some money for the trip," Jack offered, pulling out his wallet. He handed her enough for the fare.
"Thank you, Jack. I really appreciate it," she said before excusing herself.
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A few hours later, Stella arrived at her grandmother's house. The familiar living room was cozy, filled with the scent of old books and the soft ticking of a clock. Her grandmother was waiting, seated in her usual chair by the window.
"Stella, my good granddaughter," her grandmother greeted warmly.
"Good afternoon, Grandma," Stella replied, sitting beside her.
Her grandmother's tone grew more serious. "There's something I want to give you. It's very important."
Stella's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"