Chapter 1: The Unexpected Arrival

Welcome to After Life.

Dan Miller had led a fulfilling life, deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs. Upon reaching the age of ninety-five, he felt a divine presence as he passed away. Anticipating a heavenly experience filled with pearly gates and radiant light, he was instead met with a stark contrast: a blinding halogen glow, a door reminiscent of outdated decor, and a simplistic sign that read “ENTER.” As he tried to comprehend his surroundings, all he could see was the door and the overpowering light, leaving him bewildered.

Taking stock of his appearance, Dan noticed that he looked much like he did in life—strong and vigorous, the aging process having only slightly dulled his shine. He felt no embarrassment at being naked; in this surreal moment, it seemed expected. However, the bizarre surroundings led him to wonder if things had changed since he last considered the afterlife. Realizing he had to proceed, he reached for a brass door handle, reminiscent of poorly designed interiors. But as he grasped it, the knob vanished like a ghost, taking the door with it, along with his initial acceptance of being exposed.

The harsh light morphed into a mundane office—far from any ethereal vision he had imagined. An inexpensive-looking desk was centered in the room, and behind it sat a woman clad in a black suit, her demeanor more akin to a mortician than a divine figure. With no smile to greet him, Dan felt an unsettling sensation in his stomach.

"Welcome to After Life," she spoke in a cold, monotone voice, reminiscent of an old dial-up modem attempting to connect. He sensed she was waiting for a reply, but words escaped him.

The room spun around the solitary desk, and the woman remained expressionless.

"Please take a seat," she instructed, her voice devoid of warmth.

Dan scanned the area, confused. "But there are no chairs."

"Please take a seat," she repeated, her tone unchanged.

"But—" he started, his frustration growing.

"Please. Sit," she commanded, her voice now firm.

Without thinking, Dan moved toward the desk, half-expecting to fall. However, a chair appeared just as the door had vanished, and he found himself seated in a cushioned chair, shock registering on his face.

"Welcome to After Life," she repeated, her voice returning to its chilling monotone.

Dan attempted to inquire about his new surroundings, but she interrupted him, "You have been chosen for this resurrection program due to your exceptional genetic traits."

"My what? Wait, what do you mean?" His confusion deepened.

"Your longevity, strength, creativity, and intelligence have been noted," she continued, allowing a moment for his thoughts to settle. "While your physical attributes are no longer relevant, they do influence your life choices and reliability, all essential for the program. You meet ninety-seven percent of the desired criteria." She tilted her head slightly. "I can now respond to questions."

Overwhelmed with inquiries, Dan took a moment to gather himself. "How many questions may I ask?"

"As many as you want," she replied. "Time is slower here."

He relaxed slightly, realizing he had regained some control. "Where am I? What's After Life?"

"This is the mainframe of the Cybernetic Realities After Life program, an experimental cognitive transference initiative. We’ve developed a method to connect brain impulses with a supercomputer," she explained, gesturing with her hands. Dan thought it looked like she was ready to catch a football.

"And I've been selected for this?" he queried.

"Your longevity, strength, creativity, and intelligence have been noted," she repeated mechanically.

"Yes, I get it," he interrupted, raising his hand. "Am I dead? Is this purgatory?"

"Yes, you are deceased. No, this is not purgatory," she replied, her tone remaining flat. The finality of her statement sent a chill through him. "There is no purgatory."

"What do you mean, no purgatory? What about Heaven?" Dan pressed, feeling a growing unease.

"There is no Heaven," she stated, her voice unyielding. "There is only nothingness or After Life."

Dan felt a surge of panic. He strained to rise but found himself immobilized, his muscles refusing to cooperate. Her voice shifted, becoming a high-pitched shriek. "You will not struggle. There is only After Life or nothing."

Stunned, Dan sat silently, grappling with fear. "I don’t understand. My whole life I…," he paused, inhaling deeply. "What happens next?"

"Your consciousness is being maintained while you decide: After Life with a new chance to live, or nothingness."

"What do you mean by nothingness? Is it just an empty void?" he asked.

"Literal nothingness," she sang in a mocking tone, "no floating in darkness. Nothing. You will cease to exist. No feelings, memories, or thoughts. You will simply stop being."

His stomach dropped. Could it be true? Was everything he believed a fabrication? "With After Life," she continued, "you have the option to continue. You will remain yourself, with your experiences contributing to the greater good."

"Stop!" Dan raised his hands defensively. "I'm sorry. It's just… overwhelming."

"You must now choose," she insisted, her voice regaining its stern quality.

Facing the reality of his options—nothingness or a chance at life—he found himself at a crossroads. "No more questions?"

"You must now choose," she reiterated, her tone rising in intensity.

"After Life," he declared quickly. "I choose After Life."

"Place your right hand on the desk," she instructed. As he did, a small silver cylinder appeared, glowing red. "Insert your hand into the cylinder; this will denote acceptance."

Hesitating, he extended his hand towards the pulsating light. As he made contact, the light shifted to green, and the woman disappeared. Suddenly, he was engulfed by excruciating pain.

It felt as though he was being torn apart, each inch a struggle against a force pulling him through razor wire. Agony enveloped him, and as his consciousness splintered, his final thought echoed: Hell exists.

One of my initial attempts at storytelling, I penned After Life before The Small Box, and after much reworking, I finally settled on this version. I hope you find it engaging.

Chapter 2: Trailer Insights

This trailer for After Life provides a glimpse into the series, showcasing the unique blend of humor and heartache that defines Dan Miller's journey after death.

Chapter 3: Season 3 Trailer Exploration

In this Season 3 trailer, we delve deeper into the complexities of Dan's experiences, highlighting the emotional struggles and poignant moments that resonate throughout the narrative.