"Frank, you ready to go?" Charon asked.
"I-I guess so."
"Great, put the coin in the box and we`ll be on our way."
The driver had sat down in the driver`s seat and was pointing to the slot in the tall box next to the gearshift. What was different on this coin box was that there were 3 indicator lights under the slot: a green light with the letters SMI, a yellow light with the letters PUR, and lastly a red light with the letters INF.
"Well, where does this bus go? I`ve only got the one coin, so I have to be careful where I go."
"Frank, things are different here. You have only 2 choices: go wherever the bus takes you, or stay here. Look at your coin, you`ll understand."
Frank turned the coin over in his palm. On one side was a picture of a small boat crossing a river of fire with the word STYX under the picture, then on the other side was Frank`s name, date of birth, and today as the date of death. Frank slumped onto the bench at the bus stop and looked around slowly. He looked at the coin again.
"I don`t suppose this is a special commemorative coin from a STYX Reunion Tour?"
"Come on Frank! Whadda ya think this, a personalized concert medallion with your name, birth date and today`s date-your expiration date? Don't be a smart-ass. I don't have time for this. You know what that coin is! You know who I am. You`re worm food now, ok? ", Charon grumbled and shook his head, then finally looked at Frank again and spoke a little softer.
"The thing is this, the fear and dread of where this bus is going is a thousand times worse than anywhere I can take you. You also remember the little creature that you fought 5 minutes ago? He's not the worst thing that you could run into if you hang around here. The rules are this: no coin, no ride for 100 years. I understand It`s a big change, but you still exist, and you need to either man up and put your coin in the slot to face your destiny, or get off the bus and wander the streets of this grey town until you grow a pair. "
Frank didn`t say a word. He stood up, boarded the bus and put the coin in the slot. The three lights flashed on and off repeatedly, cycling through each one for several seconds. Finally it stopped on SMI. Franked looked up at Charon, quizzically,"Where is SMI?"
Charon looked up happily, "Hey, good for you. You don't have to pack your burn cream! Cheer up Bubula, things are looking up! I can't tell you more than that. You'll know soon enough, just know that its probably the best you could do down here. ", Charon closed the door with that happy "swoosh" noise and put the bus in gear.
Frank didn't say anything and took a seat behind Charon. Charon began to whistle a happy tune, then he began to sing in a lovely tenor voice,
"Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...
For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.
So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath. "*
Frank groaned and rolled his eyes…then began to whistle along. It was the happiest he had felt all day.
("Always Look On the Bright Side of Life"-Eric Idle)
No comments:
Post a Comment