The End: The Surprising Secret Of Paradise
As Dante and Beatrice climbed the final steps toward Purgatory’s peak, the mist parted to reveal a transcendent sight. Before them stretched a plateau bathed in warm light, filled with verdant trees and sweet-scented flowers. Countless souls moved across it, their faces etched with serenity and joy.
In the plateau’s center stood an ornate fountain carved of ivory and gold. Crystal-clear water cascaded delicately into its basin. As Dante and Beatrice drew closer, they saw their reflections shimmering in the fountain - but these were not mere reflections. Their mirrored selves seemed to glow with an inner radiance as if illuminated from within.
“We have shed the burdens of our past,” Beatrice whispered, a tear tracing her cheek. “Our souls are pure once more.”
Dante reached out to touch the surface of the water. Ripples spread outward, refracting the light into a thousand brilliant hues. At that moment, all remaining traces of sorrow and remorse seemed to melt away, leaving only hope and renewal in their hearts.
They turned to observe the souls around them. Some sat beneath trees, reading ethereal books with covers made of woven sunlight. Others strolled along the plateau’s edge, gazing out at the sweeping vistas of sky and sea just visible through the mist. There was no chatter, only a profound sense of peace.
Dante and Beatrice found an empty bench beneath a willow tree. As they sat, a figure materialized before them - it was Virgil. Though still translucent, his form glowed with new vibrance.
“My friends,” he said, “your journey through Purgatory is at an end. You have cast off the burdens of sin and emerged renewed. Now your spirits are ready to ascend into Paradise.”
Dante and Beatrice reverently bowed their heads before Virgil in gratitude. When they looked up, he was gone. In his place hovered two ethereal doves, their wings faintly glittering.
“We shall be your guides into Paradise,” the doves seemed to say, though not in words. Beckoning with their wings, they floated upward into the mist.
Hand in hand, with joyful hearts and renewed courage, Dante and Beatrice followed the doves toward the light. Their final ascent was beginning.
Dante and Beatrice followed the shimmering doves higher up the mountain, soon leaving behind the serene plateau. As they ascended into the mists, the air seemed to grow even lighter and sweeter. Soon the fog dissipated entirely, giving way to crisp blue skies.
Before them stretched marvelous vistas filled with rolling green hills, glistening waters, and grand castles. This was Paradise - a landscape more perfect and vibrant than anything they had ever seen. Joyful souls darted through the skies like birds, their laughter echoing.
The doves guided Dante and Beatrice along a path lined with fruit trees heavy with ripe, juicy fruit. As they plucked apples and apricots straight from the branches, it was the sweetest, most delicious fruit they had ever tasted. All notions of hunger and thirst simply melted away.
In the distance, they could see a radiant city atop a hill. Spires and domes shimmered in the sunlight. “Heaven’s kingdom awaits,” murmured Beatrice reverently. As they drew closer, they saw the city’s gates stood open in welcome.
Within the city, saints and angels moved peacefully about cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cottages. Some strummed harps, their music filling the balmy air. The angels' wings glimmered iridescent as they took flight.
Dante and Beatrice passed a courtyard where children laughed merrily amid beds of wildflowers. Further on, scholars gathered in a forum and engaged in lively yet peaceful discussions. There was no malice or suffering here - only joy, wisdom, and compassion.
At last, the doves guided them toward an immense crystalline cathedral, its stained glass windows depicting scenes from humanity’s collective stories. This was where the Creator dwelled. Dante and Beatrice entered quietly, their hearts brimming with awe.
The Creator emerged from above bathed in warm light and spoke, “My children, you have overcome much struggle to reach this place. Come, join your fellow souls in eternal joy and fulfillment.”
With tears of joy, Dante and Beatrice walked hand in hand into the light. Their incredible journey had come to an end, but in Paradise, they knew, their spirits would soar forever free.
The end