Little chat with Doe

Doe: You made a good choice, pickin' me. I died most recently, so i know more about what Earth is gonna be like when you get there. Anything you wanna know?

John: Everything. What do i do once i get down there? Who can i trust? Is it good to be alive? Is it worth dying to be alive? How will i know who i'll love? Will i get to fall in love? What will my parents be like? How do i...

Doe: Woah, there! One at a time, please.

John: Alright. What is there to do there?

Doe: Well, i always liked to flirt with boys, but i don't think thats really your speed. 'Not that theres anything wrong with that.' Hee-hee.

John: With what?

Doe: Oh, right, you've never seen it. Anyway, from what i saw, guys like only two things: girls and things that impressed girls.

John: Like what?

Doe: We-e-e-ell, like playing sports and stuff. They also like cars, but it kinda seems like they only liked to brag about them to other people. Let me guess: you don't know what sports and cars are, do you?

John: Not off-hand, no.

Doe: Thought so. All you really need to know about girls is that we're just as nervous as you are, we like to be complimented and if we say no, its about 50-50 we really mean it.

John: Huh?

Doe: Right, you won't need to know that until you're about 13, will you? Mmm...lemme see, what does someone need to know just after birth? Oh! When the doctor slaps your ass, don't take it personal. Ha ha ha ha!

Instead of saying you don't understand, you pretend to know what shes talking about. Which couldn't be further from the truth.

Doe: sigh No, if i'm gonna be your angel, i need to give you more than jokes and how to pick up girls, huh? The thing is, i didn't really live very long, so i don't really know anything beyond being a teenager. But i'm damn good on that!

John: If i won't remember this when i'm born, it seems pointless to ask about those things.

Doe: Yeah, i guess you're right. You're thinking ahead, though! Thats a sign you'll go far in life!

John: Whats it like to be alive?

Doe: Its kinda like....well, no, more like....umm, its like waking up every morning and finding a big box by your bed! You have no idea what's in it, could be a monster, could be a puppy. But either way, you can't wait to open the box and see whats inside. Thats what its like to be alive! Its finding out what everyday has in store for you and doing the best you can with it!

Her bright smile convinces you that what she says is true. You smile back, a bit eager to be born. The idea of puppy-days sounds enjoyable and monster-days give you a little rush of determination to persevere and overcome them.

John Is dying scary?

Doe almost speaks, but decides to cushion the blow for you. You're so sweet and cute, after all.

Doe: It can be, if you know its coming for a while, like if you get really sick or something. Most of the time, you don't even know you're dead until you are. So, no, not really.

John: Does it hurt?

Doe: Again, it can, but not always.

John: Did it hurt when you died?

Doe: ....yes. There was a lot of glass, thick fumes and fire when i died. It hurt my whole body, inside and out. Everything burned, and i got cut all over too. But i don't really regret doing what i did! I made sure everyone else lived, so i guess that's all i can ask.

John: What happened?

Doe: I was on a field trip...oh, thats when you're in school and they take you someplace to watch how something works..., and the road was icy and a couple of my friends said the driver was stoned...er, not thinking clearly, so the bus flipped over on a sharp turn. Everyone else got out, but i took too long helping them and i didn't. I guess i lost too much blood and took in too much smoke.

John: Oh.

Doe: It was sad to leave my family and friends behind, but i'm not sad anymore!

Even though angels can't lie, something about the sadness in her voice doesn't convince you that she believes what she said.

John: What should i be trying to do with my life?

Doe: um...that's really up to you. Personally, i think the best thing you can do with your life is fall in love with somebody and to have them love you back, but for you it might be winning a race or something. I guess when you get born, observe the world, find out what you wanna do and do it.