"Well, of course it's impossible to know what people in this condition feel, but as far as we can tell, there would be no pain."

"And how would it happen?" Martha had to know. The thought of Norma suffering any more was unbearable for her.

"Quite simply, really. We just disconnect the machine and Norma, very quietly, passes away."

"Like going to sleep, right Doctor?"

"I guess so, John. It is the supreme mystery, is it not? Now, please excuse me. I have another patient to attend to. There is no pressure to make this decision right now. You may take all the time that you need. However, you do know the prognosis. Good night."

Martha's eyes followed her as she left the room. She had felt her discomfort. Her words echoed in Martha's mind. "It is the supreme mystery, is it not?"

"I need a cigarette." Bob quickly left the room.

John reached down and gently took Norma's hand in his. He placed it on his cheek, smudging a tear. "Must we mother?"

Martha turned away and looked out the window. It was starting to snow.

"I don't know, John. I just don't know."

Something strange had happened when John had lifted her hand this time. Norma had felt a crack in the ice. And then, suddenly, the presence of Joshua. For the first time, she could see a form.

She felt him beckoning her. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't resist his gentle urging. She followed him, up through the twilight of another reality towards the Other Lights, trusting him absolutely. She felt no fear.

And then, suddenly, Norma stopped. She could not go on any further. She felt a boundary, an invisible boundary that she must not cross. Joshua stood on the other side, beckoning her to follow.

She stood, frozen, on the threshold, overcome by doubt, unable to move.

"Why do I hesitate?" she wondered as she stared at Joshua on the other side of the Other Lights.