Radiance. Blinding, all-encompassing light.
David's consciousness floated in a sea of golden illumination, the pain that had threatened to tear him apart now just a distant memory. Soft, melodic laughter tickled his ears—feminine chuckles and giggles that seemed to dance around him like wind chimes in a gentle breeze.
Am I dead? The thought drifted lazily through his mind. Is this what heaven feels like?
He became aware of something impossibly soft cradling his head, a cushion more comfortable than anything he'd ever experienced. His eyelids felt heavy, resistant to his attempts to open them.
"He's waking," a melodious voice observed, causing the giggles to intensify.
David finally managed to force his eyes open, immediately squinting against the golden light that poured in from above. Gradually, his vision adjusted, revealing an architectural marvel surrounding him.
