Some people survive death

At 21, I was in my third year in the Navy. I was heading out to sea for a 9-month world cruise. Before I left I sold my motorcycle to my friend Rob. When I returned the motorcycle was totaled. Rob survived. He suffered a broken left leg and a head injury that he recovered from.

We were having beers at the enlisted men's club. More than six beers in he detailed his experience.

"I was dead for 3 minutes," Rob said.

"Oh, what?!"

"Yes. Everything has been different since then."

"Tell me what you mean," I said.

"Once a day since the accident the atmosphere thickens. I can breathe normally, but my immediate environment turns rubbery. Nothing visible changes; I just feel encased by invisible rubber. It lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. My doctor can't explain it, though it does trigger panic. She prescribed a fast-acting sedative that knocks me out. Then I spiral into a dreamworld so real I can see myself sleeping, the experience is strange and soothing. I never see myself wake up; I just feel awake. It takes a while after I'm actually awake to catch up to reality. Of course I'm in a perpetual fog, and I stay away from caffeine, so I live with the result, however unproductive that is."

I downed beer seven then asked, "Did you see a bright light too? Did some ominous voice summon you toward it? Rob, you big-headed idiot, walk toward the light. Did that happen?"

"What if I killed you right now so you can find out for yourself," Rob said.

"You don't need to do that. Your stupid story is killing me slowly anyway."

A silence followed. We finished our beers then ordered dinner.

Think Mr. A 🫆