Young Jonathan looked his weary, bed ridden Uncle Jacob in the eyes. "Where will you be after you die?" he asked in a most serious tone a eight year old boy could ask.
Jacob knew even in his weakened state, his tired mind, he had to answer Young Jonathan as honest and thoroughly as he could. Young Jonathan was an old soul, his Grandmother would say; wise beyond all of their years combined. Jacob knew this as well, and had often learned a great deal from his young nephew. Now, for once he felt he could return the favor; at least he'd try.
Collecting his thoughts, his wits, Jacob thought about wanting to believe in heaven, an afterlife; but he didn't. Yet, he also didn't believe there was nothing, either. And while he could give most children Young Jonathan's age a simple, patronizing answer, Jacob knew that Jonathan would probably led him to his true belief through their conversation.
"I suppose I will be a bit everywhere," he began, "and a bit nowhere." The words fell from his mouth and it dawned on him. "Kind of like my whole life, I guess you could say." Young Jonathan cocked his head and smiled at Jacob.
"You'll just be different, but the same," he said as he patted Jacob on the hand. Jacob wasn't sure he understood what Young Jonathan was saying, but he knew Jonathan had delved to a much deeper level than he could understand.
"Some day you'll just have to explain it to me, nephew."
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