Kevin’s nightmares tracked him down yet
again. The screams and cries were louder than usual as he ran through
the dark forest. The trees had come to life, dripping with blood. Kevin
ran, ducking and dodging the branches as they reached out to grab him.
Something was chasing him, and today it was faster than ever. Kevin ran
toward the light. The closer he got, the thicker the woods became.
“Run, Kevin,” he heard a male’s voice encourage. A hand appeared
through the light, reaching out to him. Whatever was chasing him was on
his heels. Without a second thought, Kevin reached for the hand and was
yanked into an area so bright that it nearly blinded him. He threw up
his arms, covering his eyes. Slowly, the light began to soften. Kevin
lowered his arms and gasped as he came face-to-face with Mr. Johnson.
“No, Kevin.” Mr. Johnson smiled, reading the panic on his face.
“Am I dead?” Kevin asked anyway.
Mr. Johnson raised an eyebrow. “Kevin, you know goodness well that if you died today, you and I wouldn’t be in the same place.”
A train of tears poured from Kevin’s eyes as he stared at Mr.
Johnson and his heavenly glow. “Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry,” he cried,
dropping to his knees. “You know I didn’t mean to kill you. I would
never, ever do anything to harm you. I loved you like a father.”
“I know that, son. I know that,” Mr. Johnson said. “But, Kevin…
would you have killed Toby? What about James or the guy you nearly beat
to death in the shower?”
Engulfed in his emotions, Kevin couldn’t respond. Instead, he sat
on the ground and bawled. Mr. Johnson lowered himself to the ground and
patted Kevin on the back in an attempt at comfort.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Johnson,” Kevin cried. “I’m sorry. I didn’t go to—”
“Kevin, Kevin… It was an accident, son. I know,” Mr. Johnson interrupted. “Do you remember our talks at the nursing home?”
Kevin answered with a nod of his head.
“I told you I was gonna be watching you, and God has allowed me to
do so. That’s why you didn’t get to James. I wish I could’ve prevented
his death altogether, but I could only help you. The only reason I
didn’t stop the fight in the shower was because you needed this time to
be alone, to think about what it is you’re going to do with your life.”Mr. Johnson helped Kevin stand to his feet. “I don’t know any pain
now, son. But don’t let my death be in vain. I’ve seen your future.” He
lifted Kevin’s head with his fingers and smiled with a raised brow. “But
the only way you can have it is if you get yourself together. If you
really, really sorry, you’ll do it for me. And remember,” he said as his
image faded, “I’m watching you.”
Kevin sprang up in bed. The sun’s rays beamed through the window of his small cell. He sighed, realizing he had been dreaming. I’m going to get myself together, Mr. Johnson.