Smelling Roses

Inside his new haven, Charles had almost forgotten the seduction of privacy. He lovingly folded his new sweater and placed it next to his matching socks before stripping down and entering the bathroom. The thought of soaking in a bathtub after so many years was like seeing an oasis in the desert. Elizabeth heard the water running and smiled. After stepping into the hot water, Charles slid down to rest his head on the neck cushion and was startled to hear a voice inside his head. “We are pleased, dear one. You are safe, and you can rest in the certainty that your family is being held in love and light. We are known as Magnus.” Charles remained calm. “Magnus,” he said out loud. “Pleased to finally meet you.” He wanted to ask a question but was hesitant. Then he heard Magnus again. “We would be pleased to answer your question.” “Oh, thank you. I was just wondering … I know I have a gift, but it’s been really hard so far. Is it always going to be this way?” “We are amused, for this is the definitive question. Be not concerned if you do not fully comprehend the response we are about to give you. Further life experience and contemplation will be required for complete understanding.” Intrigued, Charles paid close attention. “You will know joy, but not without sadness, nor pleasure without pain. Seek awareness through the heart, and you will come to understand it is from the dream of duality that you awaken to oneness. Herein lies the paradox of Life. All is in divine order. And so it is.” A wave of energy washed over him. He sensed the importance of the words, and so he repeated them, committing them to memory. He didn’t understand, but he knew with absolute certainty he was exactly where he should be, at exactly the right time. And one day he would understand. Letting his head slip into the warmth of the bath, he felt happy. With a childlike bliss, he began blowing bubbles under the water just like he and Peter did when they were kids.