Word Of The Wise

"What do I owe for today's visit?" I asked, finishing my drink and setting it down.

I knew it made most humans uneasy to see another so like them, yet so unlike them, drink blood. At times it still made me feel uneasy, so I understood the cautious eyes.

"Just a word of caution. As you know, we believe it is unwise for you to attend the science and technology conference. Solat will be there, and we do not want you to arouse suspicion since you can only be in the sunlight for no more than four hours. Since that conference does not trickle into the nighttime, we just wish for you to—"

I turn from Father Thomas. "Why is it that your perish, after thousands of years, still treats me like a toddler? Hasn't God done that enough?"

I do not and have not feared Solat. They have been around for a decade trying to tap into the science of the supernatural and have gotten nowhere in their funding and research. No one will touch a group of fanatics with half-baked theories. Whoever believes in aliens is as lost as my hope to rid myself of this world.

Father Thomas cleared his throat, placing his hands behind his back.

"God punished you for your sin, Cain. I cannot imagine the pain and loss that you have seen throughout the years, but you are alive and well. He does not treat you like a child, for you have your own will. However, as we have said many times, you must repent. And until then, we wish for you to stay alive."

My fist slammed on the countertop, cracking it as Father Thomas stands firm; unafraid, for my temper has been ignited many times before.

"Repent? I saw my wife, my children, their children's children all suffer for my wickedness," I had to stop as my voice cracked from resurfacing such painful memories, but Father Thomas remained silent as he waited for me to continue.

"I have suffered just as my father and mother when I took my brother's life, but my torment has lasted many millennia. I see them in my thoughts, my dreams…day after day, year after year. I've begged God for death, I have begged him to rid me of this life and I have asked to be forgiven. Yet, Father, I am still here, and I no longer wish to be."

Father Thomas said nothing, moving toward me. My soul mourns, but a tear is never shed. My days of humanity are long gone.

Father Thomas' hand comes upon my back. "I do not, and have not seen evil within your heart, Cain. I know you suffer, and I know you continue to seek God's mercy. Yet, as your friend, I do not wish for you to be blinded by your past that you cannot see clearly in the present. Nor do I wish for your grasp on life to fade, for life is precious. That is what God is trying to convey, and until you see that, I fear you may never leave your sentence."

Silence ensued. I know the Father is right, yet my heart did not accept it. I get up from my position, facing the priest.

"I'll heed your concerns. You won't have to worry."

He nodded, resolution in his eyes. "Good." Father Thomas started to walk out of my home, yet he turned before leaving. "Also, the damage for that countertop will come out of your savings."

I shake my head, a smile coming over my face as the door shut. I could always count on Father Thomas to give me sound advice as well as calm me down.

"He was rather cheery today." Abel said, as I look out towards the coast.

"Indeed." I replied, as I leave the kitchen and head to my room. "Abel, prepare the Brioni Vanquish II for today. Let's go with the light charcoal."

"For day one? What are you going to pull out for your presentation, a Kiton K-50?"

I sighed, entering my room as I stand still, placing my arms up. The floor beneath me moves. Robotic arms begin removing my boxers, giving me a quick wash, and placing on my new garments.

"Even in death, you still have a mouth." I laughed, feeling the soft fabric upon my body. I took a black tie from one of Abel's robotic arms, as I fashioned it around my neck: pressing it firmly into my suit.

"Well, how do I look?" I asked: straightening my cufflinks.

"Overdone."

I scoffed, shaking my head with a smirk. I walked out of the house, entering the light. I stand outside of my abode, closing my eyes to hear the waves crash upon the shore. I inhale, taking in the salty air…the light wind upon my skin. Father Thomas is right, life can be beautiful. It is moments like this that I forget who I am, what I am, and reminisce to the time in my fields: amongst my crop. The days when I was young, and my mother and father taught me what the earth could provide.

The nurture and love that goes into the smallest twig so that it births the most abundant fruit.