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It was quiet.
Dark...
Mischa had no idea where the rest of the choir was and all he could see was the darkness around him, as well as a strange boxy outline. The outline of The Amazing Karnak, to be precise. That rat killed him, so Mischa had to be alone, right? Did everyone else go to Heaven while he was left behind in Hell? Or was this some middle ground between the two? He wasn't entirely sure. His life had been a total bust. His own adoptive parents didn't want him and he never got to marry the girl of his dreams. He felt glad he let Jane get a second chance at life- Being forgotten sucks more than having a shit life where at least people will remember you after you die- but he wished it didn't end the way he did.
He wished he never joined the choir. He wished his mom didn't put him up for adoption even if it was for his own sake. He wishes he never went on that stupid choir trip, and that he didn't get on the ride ran by that stupid fucking carnie.
"I am the Amazing Karnak," a voice boomed, scaring him out of his thoughts. The lights were on and the thing was working again just like before it had been destroyed. "You are Mischa Bachinski, age 18- Wait, we've been over this already haven't we?" Mischa said nothing and just nodded his head. Maybe he was going crazy.
"You may be wondering where everyone else went. I'm here to tell you that you, along with the rest of the St. Cassian choir, have been given one chance to visit someone of their choosing. Everyone has been separated and partnered with another variant of me- thank god for mass production- to choose someone. Everyone will have thirty minutes to say whatever they want to that person before they're finally sent to the afterlife. Do you accept these conditions and wish to visit someone?"
Mischa's eyes widened. Anyone he wants? He already knows the answer, and without a beat:
"Please let me see Talia."
The Karnak responds, "You have chosen to visit Talia. I will give you the chance to change your mind. Do you want to-" Mischa immediately yelled, "NO!" He couldn't just leave his Fiancee wondering what happened to him. He had to tell her what happened.
"So you have chosen," The Karnak said. "You can visit her in her dreams tonight. Remember, you only have half an hour."
Mischa's world suddenly goes dark, and the next thing he knows he's sitting on a log by a river. It didn't seem to be a specific landmark, just a generic lake in a rather barren forest. Was this Talia's dream? He looked around until he saw her staring back at him.
"Talia," He tried holding back tears. He was a man, god damn it. Men don't cry. Especially not him. "Where did you go," she asked him softly. She was making it really hard. He didn't know how to tell her, so he just blurted out, "I'm dead, Talia. Canadian roller coaster killed me, taking me away from you." He frowned. "How will we ever get married? I failed to turn you into a wife." Talia walked over to him and placed her hand in his. She intertwined their fingers. "We can marry now, yeah?"
That wasn't a bad idea, actually. They had to do it quick though. Mischa knew his time was almost up.
"Yes, but fast. Like Vegas drive through chapel."
Talia smiled as she looked at him. "Do you take me to be your wife?"
"I do," Mischa sighed happily. "Do you take me to be your husband?"
"I do."
The two of them kissed, solidifying their "marriage." It might not be a traditional- or legal- wedding, but it was theirs. This moment was just for them. Unfortunately, Mischa could feel himself slipping away.
"I have to go. Crazy fortune teller guy gave me limited time to see you."
Talia looked sad. "Will I ever see you again?"
This made Mischa hurt more. He couldn't help as a few tears dropped down his face.
"No."
He kissed Talia, pulling her as close to him as he could. Maybe if he held on tight enough, he wouldn't leave. Or she'd go with him and they could be together forever. Unfortunately, he knew deep down it wouldn't work and he felt himself fading.
"Please, don't forget our vows even if you marry again."
Talia nodded and let go, backing away as Mischa faded out completely. He wasn't sure what was next after this, or what the afterlife would be like. However, giving and getting closure was the best thing to happen to him. He could at least go on knowing he married Talia- in his heart at least.