"Leaving The Collective" - A Short Story

The inky blackness is thrumming with countless souls; ebbing and flowing as they leave and return to the collective. Billions of individual voices whisper, creating a humming sound that is comforting and soothing; the vibrations of which lull me to peaceful oblivion.

“Are you ready, little one?” the Universal Mother calls to me.

“Must I go? It’s so lovely here.” I comment, snuggling deeper into my sleepy little corner of the stars.

“I’m afraid so. You have a big life waiting for you!” And although she has no corporeal form, I can sense the kindness of her smile.

I sigh. “Well, okay…but do I ever get to come back here?”

“Yes, sweet one. When you finish your journey on Earth, you’ll return.”

“Can you go with me?” I ask, looking at the blue and green sphere below.

I can sense her sorrow. “I cannot. My place is here. But, there are other souls down there – souls you’ll know who can help you through.”

“How will I know them?” I ask, peering around me at the collective souls that I can feel and hear, but never see.

“You will not know them with your eyes, but with your heart. Their hearts will speak to yours, and you will feel a sense of belonging and completion. Those are the souls who will help you through your journey.”

“I’m scared.” I admit.

She giggles. “And, when it is your time to leave Earth, you’ll be scared again. But just because something is scary, doesn’t make it bad. Remember that.”

I take a moment to think over her words.

“Are you ready? I’m afraid we can’t wait much longer. It’s almost time.” She advises.

I steady my resolve. “Ready.” I muster up the strength to say.

“Farewell, little soul.”

A feeling of warmth slowly spreads through me before I get the sensation of speeding through the cosmos, stars whipping past me as I flow quickly and effortlessly through space and time.

As I feel myself being pulled farther and farther from the collective, I feel myself forgetting my time there until…

...there…

...is nothing left.

“Mr. and Mrs. Burkett? Congratulations – it’s a baby girl!”