Remembering

By CJ Knight

Photo by Giuliano Gabella on Unsplash

Story created for Mina Howell’s Micro Fiction March week 5.

White sand stretched in every direction. Waves of blue lapped like the caress of a lover’s touch. Palms swayed in the breeze, shifting lazy shadows. No screams, prayers, judgement, or conflict. The island did not belong to Heaven or Hell. That’s why he chose it.

Michael stood at the water’s edge, black wings outstretched. He wiggled his toes in the sand as the water curiously washed over his feet. For that moment, he allowed himself the luxury of forgetting his title. He was not the weapon, nor the successor. Michael was a man remembering.

Behind him, Beelzebub giggled. Not the boisterous laugh she was known for, something only for his ears. She allowed herself to forget indulgent excess, her devouring hunger, the constant need for more. With him, it was simple. She was a secret, barefoot, sun kissed, the weight of her domain stripped away. Lying on the sand, she let the heat soak into her skin, removing centuries of darkness. “Strange,” her eyes remained closed. “I am fulfilled in this moment without consuming.”

Michael studied her. Not as a means to an end, or an ally. Bee was a partner and an equal. “I’d forgotten.”

Bee opened one eye. “Forgotten what?”

He pointed to the endless, untouched horizon. “That things could be beautiful. Or can exist without being ruled, conquered, or fixed.”

Bee smiled as she pushed herself upright. She walked to his side, tide curling around her ankles. For once, she felt no need to dominate space. Bee simply occupied it. Her hand found Michael’s. “Then remember it.” She brought her lips to his cheek.

Tension melted away from Michael’s shoulders. He laced his fingers through Bee’s, grounding himself in the feeling. “Ready?”

Bee’s smile was radiant. “Always.”

Hand in hand, they turned their backs on paradise and took their first steps toward conquering eternity.

This is what I had on repeat while I wrote this one.