Beyond Journey’s End
by Bertil Falk
It was not much of a sun, but brittle sunshine threw a quiet shimmer across the elongated plain. An elderly woman was lying in her bed, waiting for the end. She was surrounded by other pioneers. Her thoughts went back to a long journey, the one that was a part of the much longer journey, namely life itself, a trip on a single ticket. A round-trip ticket was out of question, at least as long as it is impossible to travel back in time.
She was happy with her life. Her retirement home was unique and cared well for the elderly. It was part of a plan created long ago, one that would be of great importance for all of those who came after her.
A sandstorm was brewing, and she saw through the acrylic glass how the rose-colored dust whirls grew in scope. She smiled to herself. It filled her heart with joy that her imminent death would contribute to the life of the future. She had in person led the team that prepared her body.
And then came the moment. A last sigh and it was all over. Her best friend held her hand for another while. As planned, she was placed in the grave prepared in the sand. Two years later, the first lettuce leaves grew out of the red Martian soil.
Copyright © 2021 by Bertil Falk
