April

Issue 43

John the Baptist touched Bob’s shoulder. “Watch this.”

Bob’s wasn’t paying attention. He was chewing with his eyes closed. “This is amazing. I never liked plums on Earth. These are delicious.”

“Yo. Bob. Here. Ooooover here.

Bob washed his hands in the Water of Life River.

“Oh, never mind. Too late. He’s gone.”

Wiping his hands on his t-shirt, Bob caught John’s look. “What? Isn’t washing hands in the river okay?”

John shook his head, chuckling. “Hey, Ariel! This guy just asked me about manners.”

The angel laughed. “You? You’re nothin’ but an old bug-eater. What do you know about manners?”

“That’s what I think. Hey, Bob. Just wipe your hands on your jeans. I do it all the time.”

“This is so cool,” said Bob. “I’m in heaven, and John the Baptist tells me to wipe my hands on my jeans.”

“What were you expecting?”

“Um…a robe and a harp?”

“Riiight. Oh--there’s someone you gotta meet.”