Liliana’s Point of View
The moment my eyes opened, I found myself in a bright, white room that felt oddly familiar. I jerked upright, heart pounding.
“W‑Where am I? Is the guy with the chicken here already?”
I turned in circles, searching for the legendary gatekeeper with his rooster.
A nurse in a white uniform hurried in.
“Miss, are you all right?”
“Have you seen the man carrying a chicken? You know—the one in a white robe. What’s his name again…?”
“Chicken, ma’am?” she echoed, frowning.
“Yes! The man with the rooster. Uh… Saint—Saint what‑shis‑name?”
“Miss, are you having a dream? Perhaps I should call the doct—”
“San Pedro!” I blurted. “I’m in heaven, right?”
The nurse’s eyes grew huge. “You’re not in heaven, Miss.”
“Then—then I’m in hell?”
“No! You’re still on earth—and very much alive.”
“So you’re a spirit guide?” I gasped.
Just then the door burst open and Fern hurried in, out of breath.
“Fern? You can see me?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he strode to the bed and
