Yesterdays Gone: SEASON TWO (THE POST-APOCALYPTIC SERIAL THRILLER) (Yesterday's Gone)

in their way.
    Pam’s husband, Derek, had grown more confrontational over their differences of faith of late. Derek had made no secret that he was a Protestant. The Prophet was willing to let that slide, assuming the man would come around in his own time. But lately, Derek had drifted further from the flock. He began to question The Glorious Day that had been foretold to The Prophet by God Himself decades earlier. He was badmouthing the church, and The Prophet, to Pam. He began throwing the C-Word around, calling their congregation a “cult.” He even threatened to take Ellie May away from Pam and go off to Nebraska, where his family was from.
    It was one thing for Derek to disagree within the church and attempt to sew his seeds of discontent among the parishioners. The Prophet might have even put up with it a bit longer, letting the young man make a fool of himself until he came around. But the straw that broke the camel’s back came three nights ago when Derek plastered his face all over the TV, getting interviewed by one of those so-called “journalists” who’d taken to poking fun of The Prophet’s Message whenever possible. As October 15 neared, the sinners grew more bold in their mockery of The Prophet and of God, turning The Prophet into the punchline of late-night comedy routines. As The Day grew closer, it was more imperative than ever that The Family stick together.  
    Yet, Derek betrayed them at the worst possible time. He appeared in an interview on one of those “news” shows on MSNBC. Derek mocked the church, laughed at them, and questioned the sanity of The Prophet, telling the news host that he thought the church posed a danger to people and that he would likely be seeking a divorce and full custody of their child.
    Fortunately, God saw fit to inspire Pam’s older brothers, Elwin and Dwayne, to intercede, giving a nice, “friendly” talking-to to Derek. The boys had a way with words, and their fists, which made their daddy proud and helped him keep order in a world that sometimes forgot how to keep things straight. Tonight, Derek was still recovering from the boys’ visit, which meant he wouldn’t be here. Which was a shame, really. The Prophet didn’t approve of Derek’s background, nor his recent betrayal. But what kind of example would he be if he were not a forgiving man? Any who sought redemption would receive it.  
    If they sought it in time. Derek lost his opportunity. Tonight was The End and The Beginning, and Derek was on the wrong side of the fence.
    Such a shame.
    Missing tonight was to miss the Second Coming. To miss His Glorious Return. To be struck blind and dumb as the doors of Heaven itself were thrown open to the righteous among them.  
    Sorry, Derek, no room for Protestants.  
    But Pam and Ellie Mae, they would certainly be welcome.  
    And they’d all get to see Gladys again. She would be waiting.  
    The Prophet couldn’t wait for Ellie Mae to meet her Grandma. Gladys succumbed to cancer two days before Ellie Mae blessed the world with her presence, a huge loss to the congregation and family alike. Gladys had been so anticipating Ellie Mae’s birth. She had a lot of love in her heart. Even at the end, when the pain was enough to twist her face into a cruel mockery of the Good Lord’s Everlasting Love, Gladys always had a smile and open arms for her entire family, and all The Prophet’s followers.
    Oh, how he missed her.
    But man was not meant to question His will. Nor was he meant to mourn those who entered the Kingdom of Heaven. For all who believed would be reunited in the coming Light of the Lord to spend Eternity in His glory and love. And that reunion was about to take place in minutes.
    The Prophet looked at the clock, an old Western Electric that had sat in the same spot for six decades, from back when this church had belonged to The Prophet’s father –back before The Prophet had returned to Him. The clock read 2:06 a.m.
    It was almost time.
    The Prophet led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer, then began to deliver the sermon he’d been preparing for years. Though his back often hurt, and he was feeling every bit of his age most days, tonight he felt electric. He was without pain, and stronger than he’d felt in decades. His voice was an extension of this strength, strong and deep from his chest, in full bellow.
    He spoke of love, God, and family. Without those, you had nothing. You may have yourself a house, but without God, your house