Up and down

In the experience of hell, we can have the vision of heaven. In the days that follow, the adventurer’s suffering blurs all perception. There is nothing to be seen, apart from the chaos of the sky that passes over his face haloed in the burning flare of the sun. The only relief is the occasional sight of the girl leaning over him to brush the flies from his eyes and mouth. But not often. He feels she is watched, not free. Is disapproved of. But by whom?
He retreats into his own personal present. A cool house, sun-and-shadow dappled lawn. Somewhere near there is a small stream. The birdsong competes gently with the breeze to soothe.