True Friend

A man and his loyal dog were strolling down a quiet country road. The scenery was peaceful and beautiful, but suddenly the man realized something strange—he was dead. He clearly remembered his passing, and he knew his dog had been gone for years too. Curiosity gripped him as he wondered where this road would lead.

After some time, they came upon a gleaming white stone wall, tall and majestic, stretching along one side of the road. At the top of a hill, it opened into an arch that shimmered under the sunlight. Beyond the arch stood a magnificent gate, dazzling like mother-of-pearl, leading to a golden street.

As they approached, the man noticed someone sitting at a desk near the gate. "Excuse me," he called out. "Where are we?"

"This is Heaven," the man behind the desk replied warmly.

"Wow!" the traveler exclaimed. "Could I get some water, please?"

"Of course, sir. Come on in, and I'll have ice water brought to you," the gatekeeper offered, signaling for the gates to open.

The traveler hesitated and gestured toward his dog. "Can my friend come in too?"

"I'm sorry, sir," the gatekeeper said apologetically, "but we don't allow pets."

The man frowned, thought for a moment, and decided to continue walking down the road with his faithful dog by his side.

After a long journey and climbing another hill, they came to a humble dirt path leading to an open farm gate. There was no fence, just a simple entrance. Under a shady tree, a man sat reading a book.

"Excuse me!" the traveler called out. "Do you have any water?"

"Sure do," the man said, pointing toward a hidden pump. "Come on in."

"And my dog?" the traveler asked hopefully.

"There's a bowl by the pump," the man assured him.

Relieved, they entered. The traveler filled the bowl for his dog and quenched his own thirst with the cool water. Refreshed, they walked back toward the man by the tree.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," the man replied with a smile.

The traveler was puzzled. "But the place down the road with the gold streets and pearly gates—wasn't that Heaven?"

"Nope," the man chuckled. "That was Hell."

"Doesn't it bother you that they use your name?" the traveler asked.

"Not at all," the man said gently. "We're just glad they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind."

The END

Discussion points

1: Paradise is not defined by grandeur or opulence but by the presence of those we love and our willingness to stay loyal to them, even when faced with tempting alternatives. Genuine goodness often resides in simplicity, not superficial splendour

2: The traveller chooses to stay true to his dog rather than accept comfort and luxury without his loyal companion. This teaches us to value relationships over material gains.

3: The "test" at the first gate revealed the traveler's character. Life often presents us with choices that test our values, showing what truly matters.

4: True heaven welcomed everyone, including the dog, symbolizing a place of love, acceptance, and kindness for all beings.

Story Credit: This story was adapted from The Twilight Zone episode called “The Hunt.”