The rain hit against the sidewalk with a vengeance. Bradley had just wrapped up a 12-hour day at the office. He was looking forward to a night out with the guys. He started his car and exited the parking lot. “This rain is really coming down” Bradley thought. “But I don’t care; I’m still going out tonight. I have tomorrow off from work”. As he drove, he noticed that the rain was tapering off. By the time he got home, it had stopped raining.
Bradley was meeting a few of his friends at The Green Turtle on F Street. He showered, fed the fish, checked his mail, and was soon on his way. It wasn’t raining. It actually looked like it was clearing up. When Bradley got to the Green Turtle, it was the end of Happy Hour. Vic, Trevor, and Dan were seated at the table in the back. After a few rounds of beers, hot wings, and a game of pool, Bradley called it a night.
As he drove, he thought about calling Michelle tomorrow to see if she wanted to get together. Bradley preferred to go out on Friday nights because it was always a great way to start the weekend right. He liked it even more if it was a long one. Just at that moment, he came upon a dark figure in the middle of the road. He blew his horn and swerved to miss him. That’s the thing about living in Montgomery County; not too much light. “What the hell was he doing in the middle of the road?!” Bradley said aloud. “Where did he come from”?!
Bradley entered his apartment, still bewildered by the figure he saw in the road. “I guess it was a man.” A funny- looking one, but he was still a man”. I didn’t drink that much tonight. Suddenly, there was a loud crash outside. So loud that his car alarm was going off. He grabbed his baseball bat and flashlight and slowly opened the front door. Bradley saw that same figure that he nearly hit earlier standing next to his car. There was also something large that was glowing behind him. “What the ….” “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you until I drove up closer to you. What were you doing out there? Do you need help? Are you hurt?” Bradley took a step closer. After that he couldn’t move. He became weaker and fell to the ground.
Bradley awoke in a cold room lying on a cot with a sheet over him. “How did I get here? This must be a bad dream”. Someone walked into the room, stood over him for five minutes, and left. He looked like a man, but he had “alien-like” features. Then, a lady in white scrubs comes in with Bradley’s clothes. She looked relatively normal. “You may get dressed now. After that, follow the signs to the conference room. Someone will explain everything to you there”. She walked out. “Wait a minute. Who are you? What did you do to me?”
After Bradley got dressed, he went to the conference room. There were all types of fresh fruits and veggies on one table. There was bottled spring water on another table. The alien-looking man was sitting at the head of the table. “Have a seat Bradley” he said. “Feel free to help yourself to some refreshments”.
How do you know my name?” Bradley asked.
“We know all about you. We’ve been watching you for a long time. We gave you a thorough exam just now”.
Bradley gasped. That’s why his body felt sore in the strangest places. “So, what did you find out?”
“That you’re in great health”. You’re also very intelligent. You pay close attention to everything around you. You’re not duped like so many people in this country. Most importantly, you believe.”
“I believe?” Bradley asked.
“Yes. You know that there is life after death. That life on this planet will become very difficult one day. You tell people all the time about it, but nobody really believes you”.
“Yes, yes, absolutely. Well, my friend Michelle does. We are in sync about so many things. I’ve always believed that there are UFOs out there. It makes even more sense now with all that I see happening, and now I’m here talking to you. That’s why you were standing in the middle of the road wasn’t it? You wanted to find me”.
“Yes”.
“What is your name? I don’t think you mentioned it”.
“My name is Rafael”.
“Rafael. Okay. What is it that you want me to do? Has anyone else seen you?”
“Not up close and personal. You’re the only one I’ve conversed with”.
“Wow. I’m just blown away right now”.
“I want you to do something for me Bradley”.
“Okay”.
“Keep Michelle in your life. The two of you are great together. You can make a great impact on people’s lives together”.
“Yes, that’s for sure”.
Raphael gets up from the table and walks over to Bradley. He touches his forehead first. Then he grabs both of his hands and presses his palms against his. Bradley felt a burning sensation.
“You have a gift, now, Bradley. It’s a very special gift. I want you to put it to use. I’ll be back to see you soon”.
“You’re not going to show up in the middle of the street again are you?”
Raphael laughs. “No, I’m not. You’ll know when I’ll be back here. As you use your gift to heal others, things will make sense”.
“I understand”.
“Good. I shall leave you now”.
Bradley woke up in his own bed. What a night. It was 10:00 am on Friday. He dialed Michelle’s number.
“Hello”. Michelle answered after the second ring.
“Hey, Baby. What’s going on?”
“I’m on my break. What’s up?”
“I was hoping to get together this evening. I have something mind-blowing to share with you”.
“I’d love to, Bradley. It’s mind-blowing, huh? I can’t wait to hear this”.
“Baby, it’s out of this world”.