Unforgettable Melody - S01 E72

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Unforgettable Melody - S01 E72

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 72

.Collecting himself, Mike said, “I was, and still am, a foolish man who, in those moments, chose to let his temporary anger cloud his better judgment. I know better than that. I truly regretted the words I spoke the moment they left my mouth, and still do to this day. Unfortunately, there is no way to erase those words; the pain they caused is all too real. The guilt I have felt after those moments is my punishment, though I realize it may not be nearly enough to make up for my mistakes.”

Thomas paused momentarily, taking in Mike’s response. Finally, he continued, “Very well, and how do you answer for the accounts of sex outside of wedlock?”

“Those accounts did happen,” Mike stated simply. “I realize that this is against the teachings of the Bible. However, I do wish to state for the record that I did, in fact, deeply love each of the women that I had sex with. This is certainly no excuse for my actions, but I would dishonor their names as well if I did not at least emphasize that point.”

Strangely, Thomas again paused, looking in God’s direction, before nodding, as if he and God had just had a mental conversation. “In the interest of complete discretion, God the Almighty wishes me to convey to you that, though your actions were indeed sinful and against His teachings, He also realizes that determining the context of a sin is just as important as the sin itself. This, mind you, does not change the sinful nature of the action, but understanding the context of any sin is paramount to moving towards forgiveness. In addition, He and I wish to thank you for your honesty on your heart’s true feelings towards these women. That you would put yourself in a precarious situation within this chamber so as not to dishonor their names is quite admirable.”

“Thank you,” Mike said quietly, rather surprised by the response he had heard.

“You are welcome,” Thomas replied. “Now, we shall move to the most crucial part of your hearing. The greatest transgression that you must now answer for is your willful participation in the enslavement of an intelligent, living being, one Melody Braxton. How do you answer for this transgression?”

Mike replied, “Counselor, not a day has gone by that this has not weighed heavily on my conscience. I can truly, honestly say that Melody’s presence in my life has changed me for the better. However, this alone does not make up for the dilemma I faced upon first meeting her. As you are doubtless aware, my immediate concern was for her freedom, which I learned was something that could not be fully granted by me. The only action I could have taken differently in this matter would have been to release her from her bond to me, thus disavowing my involvement in her enslavement entirely. This decision, however, would not have been without consequences in and of itself. If I may, I would ask if you, Counselor, are able to show what would have become of Melody if I had indeed released her from her bond to me.”

After again conferring with God mentally, Thomas answered, “God is all-knowing, and thus, we are able to show what would have happened in the events you describe.”

Instantly, a faint, ethereal cloud appeared in the air above the chamber, and from within the cloud came images of Melody. First, Mike’s fight with Stephen, Darcy’s abusive ex-boyfriend, was shown. Thomas explained that, had Mike freed Melody, he would still have kept her locket on his person for safekeeping. However, the lack of her protective powers would have resulted in Mike losing the fight with Stephen, who would then have seen the locket as Mike lay beaten on the floor and decided to take it for himself, intending to sell it. He soon would have discovered the secret that it held and, due to the locket’s protective magic being disabled by Mike, released Melody, claiming her and becoming her master.

What followed was a montage of pain and suffering, depicting the brutal treatment Melody would have received under Stephen’s ownership day after day. Additionally, the faces of the many women he would forcibly take for himself using Melody’s powers were shown, filling the cloud until their numbers became too great to keep up with. Finally, Stephen was shown gaining mastery of his wishes, twisting his words to wish himself into positions of great power, eventually up to the office of President of the United States. As President, Stephen would have become akin to Emperor Nero of Rome, lazily shirking his duties and sleeping with interns while the other nations of the world began to squabble in the absence of America’s leadership, eventually leading to a worldwide nuclear war.

As the images ended and the cloud disappeared, Mike said, “It has long been said that one small decision can affect countless larger ones in the future. It does seem clear that, for the good of the world, my decision to keep Melody was a wise one.”

“Be that as it may, did you not still participate in Melody’s enslavement? Even if for the good of others, enslavement is still enslavement, is it not?” Thomas countered forcefully.

For a few seconds, Mike became very angry. He had just shown the entire room the horrors that would have befallen Melody and the world had Mike not taken custody of her, and yet he was still being accused of being in the wrong. He loved Melody, he had given her free will, he had shown her the teachings of God Himself, so why was he in trouble for this? Besides, Thomas had spoken moments before on understanding the context of any sin. As his anger began to boil inside of him, Mike suddenly remembered poor Henry Buchannan. Taking several deep breaths, he calmed himself before speaking his reply.

“You are correct. Enslavement is still enslavement, no matter what purpose it is for. I fully realize that a wise decision as it pertains to others does not absolve me of the sin of participating in Melody’s enslavement. I did the best that I was able to, treating her with love and dignity, granting her free will, and showing her God’s love as best as I was able, but the fact remains that she was still enslaved to me. In answer to the previously stated transgression, words cannot express the sorrow I have felt throughout my entire life that I could not give Melody exactly what she deserved: her full, unconditional freedom. Perhaps I simply was not wise enough, certainly not Godly enough, to find a perfect solution. For that failure, I am assuredly guilty.”

An audible gasp came from the crowd observing the proceedings as he gave his answer; not a single person knew what to expect upon watching the visions he had requested to be played, and it seemed to all that were present that Mike was voluntarily sending himself to Purgatory by not fighting back against the forceful rebuke of Thomas. Waving his hand, Thomas immediately quieted the audience.

“Very well,” Thomas said. “Mike Braxton, this is your final opportunity to speak. Do you have anything more to say before a decision is rendered in regards to your eternal soul?”

Collecting himself, Mike said, “I am not a perfect man; far from it, in fact. I am a sinful, shortsighted, misguided individual. I did my best each day, trying to live how God and Jesus would want me to, but ultimately, I fell short. I am, in a word, imperfect. Standing here before the Throne of God, I humbly admit all of my shortcomings and seek forgiveness. My only hope, my only prayer, is that the grace of God and the sacrifice of His Son are enough to make up for my vast imperfection.”

Mike bowed his head and closed his eyes, at peace with everything he had said and done. Though he hoped to see Melody again soon, he fully expected that the next thing he would see would be the base of Mount Purgatory. Keeping his eyes closed, he felt the familiar rumbling as God spoke his judgment.

My son… welcome home!!!

Mike’s eyes snapped open, unsure of what he had just heard. Around him, the spectators cheered and applauded God’s decision. As the railing surrounding him lowered, allowing him to leave the podium, Mike saw Thomas running across the chambers with a huge smile on his face. Soon the man ran up to him and shook his hand firmly.

“You did it! I knew you could do it, Mike!” Thomas shouted gleefully.

“You’re not mad?” Mike asked in confusion.

“Of course not! I have a job to do, but victory or defeat ultimately rests with you, and I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“HAHA! That’s my boy!” came an excited cry from behind Mike. Before he could even turn, Harry had already wrapped him in another bear hug. “Knew you’d figure out the answer. It’s not about how badly you messed up in life; it’s about having the humility to own up to it and genuinely want forgiveness.”

“Just one final matter,” Thomas chimed in, patting Mike on the back. As he did so, Mike’s tan suit and blue tie instantly turned solid black. “On the other side, there are no more color statuses. It matters not if you were the most borderline yellow or the most deserving green; all are worthy who have entered God’s house.”

With a few parting handshakes, Mike said goodbye to the two men. “I’ll be seein’ y’all around!” he said, turning towards the Throne of God.

Step forward, Mike Braxton. Claim your eternal reward.