Gary Brideau

The Vanishing Hero Gary Brideau

Harry and his wife stepped out onto the roof of the building to go to Star Fire Two. Roiling charcoal-gray clouds swiftly gathered directly above the ship, accompanied by a sudden, deafening thunderclap. Within five seconds, a galvanic bolt struck the building's roof, mere inches from Star Fire Two's hatchway. Silence came as swiftly, as the explosive display did seconds earlier. Harry rose, having instinctively shielded his wife with his body. Bitsy opened her eyes and slowly uncurled from her near fetal position, on the roof. "Are we still alive?" she asked hesitantly, as if preparing herself for a negative response. "I think so, unless heaven resembles Star Fire Two, on a roof." answered Harry. Smoke from the clangorous blast began to clear. Then an image of someone or something gradually took shape the shape of someone all too familiar emerged from the umber fog. Surrounding the astounded couple. Cherry was indeed present and alive.