Slowly, ever so slowly, she drifts closer to the source of the light. As light as a feather, and getting even lighter, she rises into a blinding light that strangely doesn't hurt. Her eyes are closed, but she knows, because she can feel the gentle warmth of that beautiful, golden light. The light around her feels like a gentle, pleasant silk that ran on her body like water. This was utter bliss...no...this was more than that.

Then, she suddenly smelled the delicate scent of roses, tulips, hydrangeas, sampaguitas*, and various other flowers. Slowly, ever so slowly, she opens her eyes. She was greeted by the sight of a beautiful garden full of vibrant, lustrous flowers, and smiled. Never before did she feel so light...so carefree...so...happy.

The light of this place...this utopia...was gentle and warm, like the rays of the sun in the morning but...much gentler...loving. Yes, it was loving and gentle. As loving, if not more, as a father holding his newborn child for the first time. The light caressed her skin as gently as if the angels wove a beautiful silk dress.

She was so excited and looked around with a big grin on her face. She couldn't wait to explore everything! Just then, she heard a voice behind her.

"Pangga.^" Said the voice and she looked behind her to see a handsome man in a white suit. He was next to some others, and they were currently in a poker game.

"Hoy** Daddy!" She exclaimed and ran towards him with open arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~O~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Sampauitas (sam-pa-g-ee-tas) are a type of flower in the Philippines that is white and small, with a delightful delicate scent.
^ 'Pangga' is a term used when addressing to your loved ones in Ilonggo (a type of Philippine dialect).
** 'Hoy' is equivalent to 'hey' in Ilonggo.