"Second Dawning" by Colton Hamshire

He opened his eyes and gazed skyward. Above him, shimmering like crystals from the vibrant sunlight was the placid surface of water. In that moment he realized he was floated freely under that surface, but the most astounding discovery was feeling of the water. He felt it on his skin, in his eyes as he gazed around in wonder. He held his breath, knowing that if he could feel the water then he’d surely feel it in his lungs he if tried to breath. He wanted to bathe in the radiant sunlight above him. Unafraid, he swam toward the light. He savored every moment--every feeling that coursed through him that told him he was alive.

He burst through the water and inhaled the deepest breath he’d ever taken. Ecstasy of life filled him. The warmth above the water set his soul on fire. His bare chest and neck tingled with that same earthly sensation of life. He treaded the surface, awestruck by the beauty of his surroundings.

He found himself in a large, mostly clear lake. The lake’s water followed the breeze, creating soft waves that shifted about as the wind changed directions. Beyond the lake a series of short, rocky cliffs stood like guardians, and beyond the cliffs a forest of green wood hid the lake. The sound of the leaves in the wind echoed around the cliffs. A flurry came and blew loud in his ears. He smelled the forest in that gust of wind. It smelled wonderful! It seemed so long ago since he smelled nature’s sweet scent.

He had been dead.

The sudden revelation of his long lost life weighed him down with confusion and endless questions. He started to sink under that weight. The lake’s water felt thick now, like mud. Desperate, he began to swim toward the nearest bank but with each second he violently tore through the lake’s delicate brim the questions and weight grew. He fought to stay afloat.

Death had taken him, of that he was sure. The arrow had pierced his neck. He remembered the pool of blood that poured from his wound as he bled to death. He saw no tranquil light as he had died, just blackness engulfing him. No gods awaited him in the afterlife or the people that died before him. Death was lonely, hopeless, but perhaps he thought wrong. Was this the other side? A lake in a forest? He felt alive--felt fear and confusion. How could he be dead if he felt such things?

Without answers, he crawled out of the lake and onto a rocky bank. The rocks stung his bare body--another feeling of life. He lay there on the bank next to the unknown lake among the mysterious woods. He thought of his life, all of his mistakes and triumphs. He visited with his memories until the sun set behind the cliffs.

Darkness had returned.