Page 12 of Playing the Game
“Sure. What’s your name?”
He laughs, snags the ball, and runs toward the other boy, maneuvering the ball with his feet like a pro.
The older of the two shakes his head. “Daddy, you’re being strange today.”
“Don’t mind, Daddy. Let’s play the game.” The youngest joins the older one.
I realize that both these boys are my sons. I never thought I’d get to know what they looked like, let alone meet them. It’s an amazing gift. Adoration blooms in my heart. I could stay here forever and watch them play.
They practice passing the ball to each other with the side of their feet. I glance back at Dori.She’s dressed in a mermaid-type wedding gown.
I lose my breath. “You’re absolutely gorgeous.”
“And you’re so handsome.” She smiles lovingly and turns away.
The lace train of her dress has crystals sewn into it. The sun catches the jewels and they sparkle with a dazzling allure. She magnetizes me and I have to be near her. I take a step to follow her.
The boys yell, “Daddy, where are you going?”
I hold up a finger. “I’ll be back. Give me a minute.”
I twist back toward Dori. She’s disappearing behind a tear in the sky. It’s not a door. It’s just a space in the backdrop—a ripple in the texture. The train of her dress glides across the sand and disappears along with her.
“Dori, wait.” I run to the space and follow her into the darkness. “Where are you? I can’t see you?”
“I’m here. Just keep up with my voice. If you stop, we’ll lose each other.”
I quicken my pace. “Keep talking so I know which direction to go.”
“You need to feel for me. Feel our connection. Let that guide you to me.”
There’s a bright spark, and the space turns white before it returns to black. Everything about her fades away. Her voice, my connection to her—everything vanishes.
I stop and glance back in the direction of the boys. They’re gone. I’m all alone in the darkness. Fear slithers up my spine at the thought that I’ve lost all of them.
“Dori, let me feel you. Show me where you are. Talk to me. Don’t make me do this alone.”
“You’re never alone, baby. Trust me.”
“I do. More than I trust anyone else.”
“I love you, Jami.”
“I love you too.”
“Then cling to that and let me bring you home.”
“How are you going to do that?”
“With our love, I’ll guide you back to me. You just have to believe.”
I focus on that. My chest heaves, and I almost throw up. Blinding light flashes in my eyes. People hover over me.
Where am I?
What is going on?
The energy surrounding me is pure panic. I try to cough because something is in my throat, but I can’t.
