My family and I walk over to Adam’s body. My stepdaughter Sage gasps pretty loudly at the sight of him, even though I covered up the bloody disgusting parts. The way his body is lying on the tree with his leg going the way it shouldn’t is enough to be shocking. But just looking at his face it is easy to tell that he is dying. It is hard to describe how someone looks in their last moments. It’s a terrible, scary, dark feeling. Enough to gasp about. I also just noticed that the tree he is laying on is half ripped out of the ground. Whatever or whoever did this to him was ridiculously powerful.
“Don’t be shy children,” Adam says. “The prophecy begins today. But I have to be brief because I don’t have much time. There are evil beings here on your planet that destroy worlds. They are from a planet far away and their only goal is to drain every planet of its resources. Then it’s inhabitants inevitably die of starvation.” He has to cough. “But my species has waged war against them for centuries. I am not of this world either. But we have helped to save many planets and we believe you six are the only ones who can save your world. We have studied you all since your births. But you will need a gift from me to do so.”
“What gift?” I say. “And what prophecy?”
“Come closer. Trust me please. You all have to touch me. What I will give to you all will be the only way to stop them. Don’t be afraid. Be strong. It will be overwhelming at times, but be strong. This is the prophecy.”
“I’m scared, Stouten,” Angela says.
Sage grabs her mom’s hand. “Don’t be mom.”
“Oh Sage. So beyond your years. You are special.” He coughs up a little blood this time. I see my kids flinch but nobody runs or pukes. “One rule. You have to keep these gifts a secret. If someone were to find out, it would cause you great harm and complications. And the prophecy could not be fulfilled. So no one can know. “
“I’m so confused,” I say without thinking again. Nice job Stouten. The father of the family has no idea what to do.
“This body is almost gone. We have very little time. Come closer all of you. I’m sorry I can’t explain every detail, but there will be other opportunities in the future. Touch me. And be strong.”
Without thinking, we all touch some part of Adam. All four kids touch his legs. Angela and I are at his shoulders. Immediately a shock goes through my body like I was struck by lightning!
We all as humans go through life changing events. I’ve been through many. Being accepted to the University of Michigan. The birth of my children. Divorce. My first date with Angela. But this “gift” will top them all. We will never again be the same.