Time: Modern Day
Location: HereAfter

Carter floated around in the rear of the crematorium. He was like a baby trying to walk for the first time. The blue umbilical cord had gradually retracted until it was barely visible.

He tried to get his spirit body to land on the floor feet first. It took some time. It reminded him of the astronauts in space with no gravity to stabilise their movement. He had never thought that dying could be like this!

He laughed to himself as he did an unscheduled somersault and landed square on his feet like a vaulter off the horse.

So the learning begins, he thought to himself. If it was thinking, he mused, because technically I don't have a brain. It's in there being cremated!" How do I get out of here, he thought.

"Is something troubling you?"

Carter did a double take. He thought he was alone here. He answered tentatively. "I'd like to get out of here".

"You can't you know. You're dead you know."

"I know I am!"

"Do you?"

"Alright I don't know."

"And the learning begins." said a voice.

"I just want to get out of this place it gives me the creeps."

"You just have to think of another place and there you are."

He desperately wanted to see Layla. He was there. He was beside her. She was so lovely crying like that. He wanted to comfort her. Tell her everything was okay. It was, except for this aching. Heartache I guess, but I don't have a heart any longer, he thought.

What happened next was the equivalent of verbal ping pong as Carter tried to rationise what was happening to him.

Am I in hell? Is this what hell means or is it purgatory?

His Catholic upbringing shining through.

"No you are not in hell nor purgatory."

I just seem to think and you answer me. Am I thinking? Can I even think now? I haven't got a brain have I?

"The learning begins."

"Who are you? Are you God?"

"No not God. Not exactly God. I am in you. I am the best of you and the worst of you."

"You're my conscience?"

"No, not your conscience. I am your Teacher."

"Why do I feel so alone then? Why is there no one else here?"

"There is, you just can't see. It has been like this before. You have been like this before."

"I thought you said there is no time here."

"Very good. You make progress.

Not time. Others."

"I can't see any others."

"Other yous."

"Other mes?"

"Yes."

"Why can't I see you?"

"You will, in time."

"I thought you said there's no time here."

"An expression we use to help you understand."

"Who is we?"

"Teachers."

"There are others?"

"Yes, many. You can rest now if you wish. Determine your questioning. Whatever you ask I will answer unless I know it will harm you. All will be revealed. In time," he laughed.

At least he has a sense of humour, Carter thought to himself.

"Yes, you will find many things here as they are on your Earth. Your learning is like climbing a ladder. You must let go of the previous rung to advance to the next. So let go, Carter Cheval, let go."