The garden gates closed behind me, still I could see the burning candles I used for the spell. Under my bared feet, the moistened grass formed a path that lead me somewhere outsides the woods. Skies were clear, no sun, no clouds, just an open iridescent vault. The air, light and serene, filled with the scent of roses, carnations, and gladiolas. Not my preferred flowers, they reminded me of...
"María, my love!" I startled to the so familiar voice. "What are you doing here?" With opened arms, the blurry feminine figure formed into my mom in front of my eyes. "Come on dear". She hugged me, cold to the touch.

"I... I..."

"I know. It's so good to see you. Oh my love, I've missed you so much". Beaming a welcoming smile, she held my hands. "Come, let's meet the others. They're waiting at the feast."

Happy people greeted us as Mom guided me through a village. Small cottages, white and crisp lined at both sides of the street.

"There're no shops, only houses", I noticed.

"There's no need for that here. He whom shall give us, shall take from us". She recited like an ancient psalm.

A gilded door opened in front of us. Overwhelmed with joy, I ran to my family members, those who'd passed away. They sat at a long table, served with all kinds of food and desserts. Words were not sufficient to describe how it felt to be reunited with them once again:?Dad, uncle Juan, my cousin Lorena, my beloved aunty Berta.

"In the name of the almighty we feast today", Dad lead the prayers. "For those who've come, and those who've departed... for those welcomed in his loving arms, never to be discarded. He, whom shall give us, shall take from us. Amen."

"Amen", the rest repeated.

As we enjoyed a most delicious dinner, we all conversed amiably. I couldn't help to notice the absence of some members of my family. Soon I thought of heaven and hell and the "discarded" phrase on the prayers and pitied them for not making it.

The floor shaking under my feet snatched me from my musings. However, it didn't seem to bother the rest. The doors in the hall banged, jolting me back. Everyone in the room rose, lips curved as an imposed reflex, so automatic I cringed to it.

" He, whom shall give us, shall take from us", they chanted once more, arms extended above their heads.

A dark cloaked figure approached like floating, holding a sickle in hands. Why I was scared while Everyone around me grinned a sickening smile. Stopping by Aunt Bertha, it raised the sickle. Bolting a single blow, it cut in half the woman, torso dropping on the table, lower half plummeted to the floor. I gasped. Mom held my arm to hold me back. Soon the cloaked figured walked away.

"Feast!" Dad prompted, and all of them launched onto Bertha's split body, tearing it to pieces, and ate.