To Hell for Eternity (a short story)

It was a typical Tuesday morning. The alarm began to wail, waking Robby. It was 6:30, time to get up and face the day.  Robby sat up, rubbed his eyes, and began to dread the day before he had even stood up.

He felt as if his life had hit a dead end, and he sensed only the hopelessness that seemed to engulf him. Unseen by human eyes, the demon assigned to Robby had already begun its daily work. It wasn’t a difficult job as the lost man is easily swayed and willing prey.

Robby stood and made his way to the master bath. As he was entering, he turned back and saw his wife Sherri still sleeping. The demon began speaking and Robby felt disgusted. His wife, who was once that 25 year old vixen - slim, beautiful, and alluring, was now a 36 year old mother of two very active children.

Coupled with her duties as a mom, wife, and housekeeper, Sherri had a part-time job. She had put on a few pounds and dressed more conservatively than she had when she and Robby met.

Robby began to grow angry at her and even felt jealousy toward his children at the time that he felt was stolen from him. The demon began to loosen its grip and lower its voice as once again Robby had surrendered to its influence.

Across town another alarm rang and Todd sat up. He smiled and lowered his head and prayed, giving thanks for the day he had been granted and asking the Lord to guide him through this blessed day. Todd rose and walked into the master bathroom.

Turning to look as he began to close the door, he gazed at Marsha, his wife of fifteen years and mother of their three beautiful children. Todd thought how beautifully she had matured and how thankful he was for a wife that was such a wonderful mother to their children and how dedicated she was to him.

Quietly he whispered, “Thank you, Lord God,” his words ringing in the halls of Heaven. As Todd prepared for his day he contemplated the message he had heard in Church Sunday, how he understood the meaning and application of God’s Word for his daily life.

He thought how loving it was of God to give these lessons to teach and improve ourselves. Todd had learned that starting his day with God had a profound effect, not only on his outlook, but on his attitude throughout the day.

It seemed to have a great effect on his family as well. It was as if they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and that gave them an optimistic view. Todd dressed and walked into the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen bar, opening his Bible to the Psalms.

Todd loved the Psalms; he viewed them as the foundations for life and wisdoms for his walk with God. Todd stopped to pray, as he did daily, and as he was praying a thought entered his mind of Robby, the man who worked in an office down the hall from him.

Todd had learned that when a person came to his mind in prayer, it was for a purpose. He knew he needed to make contact with that person soon just to check in. Todd went about his prayer and read a few Psalms as he finished his coffee. It was time to leave for work.

The Accounting firm that Robby worked for had an unspoken rule of a fifteen-minute grace for employees getting to work due to their public transit commutes. In his selfishness, Robby kept his alarm set later than most, which always put him in a rush just to be within that fifteen-minute gray area.

As he was taking his shower, other demons began to arrive and attached themselves to him. Some sunk in their claws with a tight grip, and others just sat in their comfort of no resistance. Robby’s ire and disgust grew and he became angry.

He did not realize even the late setting of his alarm was a ploy by the demons to increase his anger by causing a rushed and inconvenient attitude. Now fully surrendering to the voices of the dark ones, Robby finished his shower and rushed to get dressed while his mind was fuming.

There were several demons clinging to Robby now. The demon from the tribe of wrath encircled his neck like a fake fur collar on a cheap coat. That demon laughed and bragged in the language of demons, speaking of how easily this one is to manipulate.

The other demons cheered and spoke of their gains with him. Robby grabbed his travel mug, filled it with coffee, adding the right amount of sugar and cream just as he liked it, screwed on the lid, and rushed out the door of the condominium.

Entering the brisk winter air Robby cussed out loud and ran back in to grab his coat. His rushed state had made him not stop to consider the weather. Again the demon of wrath laughed as Robby continued to curse his life.

Robby thought of how much he despised winter in the city. Even the snow was filthy like everything else seemed to be in this sprawling metropolis. Dirt and filth was all he seemed to notice. He passionately hated public transit, and the busyness and numerous people enraged him.

Todd reached the subway car and was pleased to see an open seat. He sat down next to a man who seemed just like all the other professionals in suits and ties that permeated the population of the train car.

The Accounting firm’s business hours were 9 to 5, meaning that travel was done at the peak of the morning and evening’s rush hours. The subway was filled with people of all types and from all walks of life going to and from work. Unseen by human eyes, demons were plentiful in the subway with some clinging desperately to their hosts and others in relaxed states.

Several demons hung on the man next to Todd. Seated across from Todd was an attractive woman who appeared to be around thirty. As Todd glanced up and noticed the woman, a demon of lust leaned over from the man and began to speak in Todd’s ear.

Its words were cut off midstream, as a gleaming sword pressed against its throat and threatened to extinguish it for eternity. The demon withdrew with a screech, fear consuming its thoughts. It cowered and in the demonic language hissed to the others attached to the man, warning them of the Mighty warrior of the Heavenly Host protecting Todd.

A demon inhabiting a man standing in the rail car screamed at the angel, asking, “Do you intend to fight us all, Favored one?” At that moment, several others of the Heavenly Host appeared. Even the human voices took on a lower tone and the rail car became oddly quiet.

Todd looked around, realizing the strange lack of the normal roar of voices. People were still talking, but it was as if the loud ones had stopped speaking. Todd did not perceive that it was only the wicked talk that had ceased. The train stopped and Todd walked away, unknown to him a group of the Heavenly Host surrounded him.

When Robby entered the subway tunnel, he cursed in a low voice at the crowded condition. This later train was even more crowded than the previous, but he managed to find a seat. This being his first opportunity, he quickly reached into his soft-sided briefcase and retrieved his work cell.

Opening the messages there, he saw the single text that would consume his thoughts throughout the day. If anyone else had seen the message, it would have shown it was from C. Becket. In reality, it was a coded message from Claire, Robby’s mistress. They had been having an affair now for about eight months.

The C. Becket ruse was in case Sherri might see it and suspicions wouldn’t be raised. The message read, “Can we meet at 5:30 to discuss some accounting changes?” Her message to Robby always meant to come over after work.

Robby had no idea that this day he would make the most important decision of his existence. For the moment all he could think of was the time he would have with Claire after work. The train arrived at the station and Robby departed with a demon of lust now clinging to him, not a minor demon but one of higher rank within the realm of the fallen. As Robby left the station, he again cursed under his breath at the crowded conditions.

Todd was walking down the hall as he passed by Robby’s office, he could see the empty chair and remembered that Robby took a later train. He made a mental note to stop by and speak with Robby today. Todd stopped by the break area and fixed himself a cup of coffee and then went straight to his office.

Several other accountants greeted Todd as he walked past the rows of offices. The company had liberal break policies, a half hour at 10:30, an hour for lunch, and a half hour at 2:30. Todd decided to stop by Robby’s office during the morning break time.

Todd settled in at his desk and bowed his head, giving thanks once again for his day, asking God’s protection and blessings for his family and himself, and speaking praises for God’s great mercy.

Robby arrived at his office, dropped his briefcase on his desk, and headed to the break room to refill his travel mug. Now back in his office, he reached into his jacket pocket to retrieve his personal cell phone. He sent a message to Sherri, letting her know he had a late meeting and had no idea how long it would last.

Sherri had seen through Robby’s deception months earlier. She had realized something was amiss when all the overtime and weekend business trips never added to the bi-monthly deposit into their joint bank account.

Between that and Robby’s constant degradation of her, it all added up. Hoping it would be temporary, and for the sake of sparing their children from the turmoil of revealing her knowledge to Robby, she withdrew from thoughts of confrontation. She had grown weary of the constant derogatory comments and complaints from Robby, and his demeaning attitude towards her had diminished her desire for him.

He didn’t even attempt to initiate physical activity with her anymore. After sending the message, Robby began his seemingly never ending workload. It felt like very little time had passed when his computer reminder popped up and let him know it was time for the morning break.

Robby got up and headed to the break room. He refilled his coffee mug and purchased a bear claw from the vending machine. He returned to his office and began to peruse the internet looking at new golf clubs.

Todd was busy with a new company’s account when he glanced at the clock. Stopping what he was doing, he went to the break room for a coffee and granola bar. On the way back, he began to pass by Robby’s office but then stopped and turned back.

Tapping the partially open door, and sticking his head in, he said, “Hey, Robby!” Robby returned the greeting, and Todd entered the room. Todd remembered that Robby was somewhat foul-mouthed and always acted irritable.

Todd sat down in the chair across from Robby’s desk and asked, ”So, how are you?” That was all Robby needed to begin to vent about how disgusted he was with his job, his life, his family life, and everything in general.

When he was finished, Todd asked, “Have you ever read any of the Bible?”  Robby scoffed. “No, I’m serious!” exclaimed Todd. “I can promise you, surrendering your life to God and becoming saved brings a joy the lost life can never compare with.” Again Robby scoffed and said, “I’m not giving up my pleasures for some unseen God that you people like to believe in. I don’t believe there is some almighty God out there in the universe waiting to save me from myself.” Todd replied, “God loves you, Robby, and He loves you so much that He sent Jesus His son to die on a cross for you. His blood paid for your sins so that you would be forgiven and could live with Him in Heaven.” 

Robby blurted out an expletive and cursed God.  Todd replied, “Wait a minute, Robby. I didn’t come in here to preach to you. I was just trying to let you know that there is a better life waiting for you, and all you have to do is accept it. I didn’t mean to make you angry.”  Robby gave a cursory apology, explaining he considered all that just a bunch of hokum made up long ago.

Todd excused himself and told Robby he hoped his day got better. This was not the first time Todd encountered anger and mocking from an unbeliever. Todd made a mental note to add Robby to his prayer list.

The rest of the day went by quickly. It was 5 pm and the work day was over. Todd welcomed the end of his work day, for soon he would be home with his family. He enjoyed hearing about their day. The children would be energetic and give him the rundown of the school day’s activities at their Christian school.

His wife would fill in the details of her day and everyone would relax and converse during their evening meal. Todd loved being with his family. Todd and Marsha had made plans a few years earlier to save up as much as they could and he would learn as much as possible, and then they would move out of the city to a small town out west where they would open their own accounting firm. They were one day closer to their goal.

Todd figured it would be about another year before they would move and begin their new life adventure.

It was 5 o’clock and Claire was preparing for her evening interlude with Robby. Men had described Claire with terms like demure, sexy, vixen, and temptress, with the latter being the most accurate.

She had been married three times, and at 30 could pass for twenty-five. She had learned from her first marriage there were great financial gains to be had. Getting married and divorced was profitable if done right. She thought of Robby.

He stood to inherit a large sum from his family, but her plan had to be executed quickly as Robby’s father’s health was fading. She had been mentioning to Robby that he should consider taking a job in another state. Unknown to Robby it was a state that had no alimony laws.

She had promised him she would move, too, so their relationship would not end. Claire had a plan—she would get Robby and his family to move, convince him to divorce his wife, and then she and Robby would get married and move back to the city.

Shortly after Robby received his inheritance, she would divorce him, taking half of his wealth. She had become an old pro at this. Her last husband calling her a gold digger didn’t even offend her. To man’s eye Claire was alluring and beautiful, but to the spiritual eye she appeared almost in shadow because the demons hung on her so thickly, she looked encrusted like an old bridge piling encased in barnacles.

Claire had gone past the point of demons just clinging to her. She was possessed by a devil of Gluttony and one of the evil commanders now resided in the room of her heart. Her every intention was wicked and for her own gain. The evil inside her was excited, with the hordes of demons active and plotting even far ahead of this plan with Robby.

Robby couldn’t get Claire out of his mind, his arousal was building as he thought of the evening he would have. They would have a nice meal and drinks and then move on to their physical encounter.

Robby would get home late, but Sherri would be asleep and there wouldn’t even be the possibility of discussion until the following evening.  Before exiting the building Robby stopped at the executive bathroom to freshen up before seeing Claire.

It was a longer commute to Claire’s place than his ride to work. Claire lived in a suburban townhouse, paid for by her previous marriages. A subway ride, then the public transit bus and a short walk and he would be at Claire’s door. What was unknown to him, and what could not be seen, was an Angel in Heaven sitting in front of a portion of the book of records.

The book opened to the section reserved for Robby’s life. Every thought, word, and deed had been, and was being, recorded. On his subway ride, Robby thought of what a life with Claire could be—free from the burdens of family obligations, he would have a pleasing companion and sex whenever he desired. Robby never realizing he had been responsible for the situations of his life.

The Angel logging Robby’s thoughts noticed a slight change in Robby’s name in the book of records; he had seen this before. Robby exited the subway and made his way to the bus stop, oblivious to the evil trap for which he was being groomed and influenced.

The dark ones that clung to him reveled in their control and spoke in their language of how Robby was coalescing to their deceptions. While entering the bus, a thought of his conversation with Todd from earlier in the day passed through his mind. Once again he began to curse God and His followers, thereby sealing his fate. All Robby wanted was to fulfill the desires of the lust within him.

Robby now stood at Claire’s door. The demons around both of them were busy and excited. They writhed and twisted in revelry, pleased that once again they would defile these creations. What the demons did not see was a special Angel hanging in the air.

His order was that the evil plans never mature in their entirety. This Angel had one job, and it would soon be complete. Claire opened the door and Robby stepped inside, they embraced with a deep, passionate kiss.

Robby mustered every once of willpower not to sweep Claire off to bed, He needed to calm down and relax, or this would be over in a matter of minutes. Claire invited him into the living room and asked if he wanted a drink. Robby replied, “Please, and make it a double.” After a few drinks Claire had their dinner prepared and they sat and ate, flirting and talking about their future together.

After his long day, the alcohol and wine with the meal left Robby feeling too relaxed. He smiled at Claire and asked if she had any pick-me-up stuff. Claire reached across to a small table and picked up a little wooden box. Opening it, she revealed her stash of cocaine.

She prepared a few lines on the coffee table and they both took part. Feeling the effects of the stimulating drug, they rushed off to the bedroom. After a few seemingly short hours of passion and then resting, Robby sat up and looked at the clock, which read 11:55.

He had stayed later than he expected. Claire would have to drive him to the subway station since the public transit bus stopped running at 11pm. He rushed to dress, not bothering to freshen up. He planned to do that at home in the guest bathroom before climbing into his bed. Bed” was a welcome thought right now; he felt exhausted and drained.

Claire and Robby left for the short drive to the station. Robby wasn’t feeling well and he thought it was exhaustion from the day. As he walked down the tunnel to the subway station he felt dizzy and attributing that to the booze and drugs. He swiped his card and proceeded to the train that would leave in five short minutes.  His headache increased and he began to rub his temples as he sat down. The Angel was watching and waiting.

The subway train began to move. Robby’s headache had increased so much the movement made him sick in his stomach. He glanced at his watch but his vision was blurred. As he worked to focus, the time became clear. It was 12:33. At that moment the watching Angel reached down and touched Robby’s head.

To Robby it sounded like a cannon had gone off between his ears and then everything went black. He had no idea how much time had passed when he opened his eyes. Everything was out of focus; it seemed he was being treated by a medical person and then he blacked out again. Robby’s eyes once again opened.

Things were a little clearer and he realized he was in the ER. He struggled to look around the room. He couldn’t seem to speak or move at all, but his mind seemed to be working, albeit in a diminished manner. At the bedside was a dark figure. Dread coursed through Robby’s mind… was that what it appeared to be? Yes, it was the angel of death, the Reaper of Souls. Robby’s eyes fell closed for the final time.

In Heaven, the angel recording Robby’s life saw the name begin to glow, he laid the writing instrument down and rolled up the scroll of Robby’s life, reached over and retrieved a golden cord for the container, and then tied the scroll securely. It was over! The Angel swept away to the White Throne and placed the scroll on the pillar. The death angel had taken Robby by the hand, led him into the judgement room, and stood fast beside Robby.

Claire had returned home after leaving Robby at the station. She had not bothered to dress for the drive and was clothed only in a sheer silk gown and robe, and she went straight to bed. Shortly after laying her head down, Claire began to have a great feeling of anger—her demons were wailing and screaming, their plans were foiled.

Clair became so irritated she got up and went into the living room. She opened the small wooden box and laid out several large lines of cocaine. She hated being alone and she wanted so much more. With her misguided guilt consuming her and the demonic spirits influencing her actions, she snorted the drug and sat back on the couch. If she could have only seen the death Angel watching she might have done differently.

In the hospital the attending Doctor marked Robby’s time of death. A police officer stood in the area in the ER assigned for law enforcement. They covered Robby’s body and it was wheeled to the morgue.

The officer went through Robby’s effects and found his address in a label inside the soft briefcase. The phones were locked so the officer called the situation in. The Lieutenant on duty decided to deliver the bad news to anyone at Robby’s address. Back at Claire’s, she never understood why she felt so angry.

She stood and the effects of the massive amount of cocaine she used took over. Her heart began to race at an unsustainable rate. It was at that instant the death angel prepared to strike. This situation would be much different than Robby’s death because devils don’t flee, they fight.

This required the Angel to strike swiftly and effectively, destroying the devil inhabiting her. Claire clutched her chest and the death angel struck, his sword passed through the devil at the split second Claire’s heart exploded. The evil entity dispatched in the twinkling of an eye. Claire’s body slumped lifeless on the floor. Her body would not be found for several days.

Sherri lay sleeping when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock, it read 2:07. For a moment she thought she was dreaming and laid her head back down on the pillow. The doorbell rang again. Sherri got up and put on her robe, thinking Robby must have left his keys at home. The house was dark except for the dim light from their bedroom lamp.

The porch light stayed on, having been activated with a motion sensor. She peered through the peephole in the door and saw a uniformed officer standing on the landing. Sherri slowly opened the door, her mind still foggy from sleep. The officer introduced himself and asked if she was the wife of Robby Cornwall. She said yes and asked if something was wrong.

The kindhearted Lieutenant replied that yes, there was. He explained to Sherri that Robby had been found unconscious in a subway car and had later passed away at County General and that his body was now in their morgue. Sheri’s knees grew weak and she wavered.

The officer grabbed her and asked if he could help her sit somewhere. She agreed, and he helped her to the kitchen table and got her seated. The officer asked if there was anyone she could call to come stay with her and Sherri told him she needed to call her sister.

The kind officer asked if she would allow him to make the call for her, and Sherri agreed. The lieutenant phoned Sherri’s sister and explained the situation, asking if she could come and stay with her sister for a few days. Sherri’s sister said she would be on her way within the hour.

The officer asked Sherri if they had a Church home or any Christian friends she could call. Sherri told him they weren’t church people and the only Church folks they knew was a coworker of Robby’s, but she had no idea how to get in touch with them.

The Lieutenant smiled and told her that God’s people had a way of finding out when there is a need and not to be surprised if they contacted her. Being a Christian man, he offered his and his wife’s help and then wrote their home number down for her.

He asked if she would like him to stay until her sister arrived as he knew it might be a while. Sherri exclaimed she didn’t want him to be so inconvenienced. He replied it was no inconvenience at all and that he would feel better knowing she wasn’t alone. The officer helped with many things, making a list of things she would need to get done as soon as possible.

The worst of them would be going to the hospital and identifying Robby’s body. He gave her advice on how to break the news to the children and even mentioned that it might help her and the children in the coming months to begin attending a Church of her choice.

Sherri agreed. Her sister arrived about two hours later and the officer excused himself, reminding Sherri to be sure and call if she had questions or needed help.

In Heaven, Robby stood by the side of the Reaper Angel. The room was daunting. It was white in every direction, and he saw a scroll laying upon a short pillar-like pedestal. Then a bright figure appeared sitting on a great throne, and Robby realized this was Jesus but he could not make out any features of His face.

An angel appeared and opened the scroll and began reading the listing of every thought, word, and deed of Robby’s life The recitation was sickening to Robby even though it was his own life read aloud.

Time passed though it could not be realized, and when the last charge was read, a thunderous voice said, “Depart from Me”. Immediately, Robby was cast into Hell; a place he had never believed in. The pain he felt was beyond anything he had ever even had nightmares about.

The loneliness was unbearable and adding to his torment was an understanding that this was now his eternity. Robby wailed and gnashed his teeth, screaming in anguish.

Adding to the horror was the fact he could look up and see people he had known—friends, relatives, and coworkers that had passed before him—and they were walking in what he instinctively knew was a paradise beyond comprehension. Robby screamed and cried out to them, but his words could not escape his prison. 

Sherri and her sister spent their day making calls and arrangements, preparing for Robby’s funeral service. The list the officer had left proved to be very helpful. Sherri had decided to go to the hospital early to identify the body. She had come home, sat her children down, and broke the news to them.

They took the news better than she expected, even though they hadn’t seen much of their father and really didn’t have a close relationship with him in the past three years. He had been around only on weekends and even then he didn’t want to hang out with the kids or get out and do anything with the family.

The funeral arrangements had been made when Sherri realized she had not called the accounting firm where Robby had worked. She made the call to the HR department and explained that Robby had passed in the night. The president of the firm came on the line and told her that the company would be including a severance package and his yearly bonus in the final check.

She was very thankful for all the generosity people seemed to show her. An email was sent out to the employees of the firm stating that Robby had passed away the night before and asked them to please keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

The email explained that the company would be sending flowers on behalf of the employees, and there would also be a card they could sign. Letting everyone know Robby left a wife and two children behind, it also stated a benevolence offering would be collected if anyone wanted to contribute.

Todd was sending an email to a client when the company-wide email appeared. He read it through and was instantly saddened, remembering his conversation the day before with Robby, how he had mocked and cursed God. Todd was deeply saddened as he realized Robby was in Hell.

Todd’s attention and sympathy immediately turned to Robby’s family. He picked up his personal cell phone and called his wife. Marsha answered with her typical loving greeting. Todd explained the situation and asked if the women’s group from Church might be willing to help Robby’s widow and children.

Todd told her he would attempt to get a contact phone number from the company HR department. Marsha reminded Todd that she had conversed with Robby’s wife Sherri at the last company Christmas party and that she had Sherri’s cell phone number in her contacts.

Marsha was a member of a ladies’ group at Church that was specifically organized for widows, especially newly widowed women. They called it the bereavement support team. Since Marsha had joined the team nine years before, it had grown from six to seventeen members.

They provided all types of help and support from food, clothing, transportation, childcare, and even help with bills at times. Their Church seemed to look at this group as the primary outreach for them in the community. (This following the command in the scripture to support the widows and orphans.) Marsha assured Todd she would get an email out to the group and call Sherri.

She said they would do everything they could for the family. Marsha opened her email and sent out the message explaining Sherri’s loss, setting things in motion. She looked through her contacts and found Sherri’s contact information and tapped the name.

Sherri’s phone began to ring. As she picked it up, she saw Marsha’s name. Sherri had forgotten exchanging information at the Christmas party. Sherri had enjoyed her visit with Marsha even though it had made her feel like something was missing in her own life. It was a pleasant and welcomed call for Sherri—any familiar and friendly voice was during this time.

The women spoke and in the course of the conversation, Marsha invited Sherri and her children to dinner that night. Sherri explained that her sister was there, and Marsha asked them all to come, explaining they just wanted Sherri and the kids to be around people that care about them and to take the general daily worries away if they could help.

With a little coaxing, Sherri, her sister, and the kids went for dinner at Todd and Marsha’s home. The children played and that seemed to remove some of the somber mood that had engulfed them. The following days went by quickly, with the women’s group doing far more than Sherri could have imagined, taking most all stress out of the busy schedule and tasks that needed to be done.

They even helped ensure the insurance was on track to adhere to the requirements in the policy. On the day of Robby’s funeral, his father came and informed Sherri that he had made arrangements with his attorney to be sure she and the children would receive the proceeds of his estate.

Marsha had convinced Sherri to begin coming to Church with the children on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. The church had a large and active youth group which seemed to help with the loss.

Two weeks after the funeral, Sherri’s son—the oldest of the two kids—accepted Christ Jesus as his Savior and he rushed to tell his Mom. The following Sunday, Sherri went to the front during the alter call. Marsha and another women from the group went with her, and Sherri poured out her heart, surrendering her pain and life to Christ and was saved.

About three weeks later Sherri’s daughter cried out for her salvation. Sherri and her children were baptized and joined the Church and were active members. It had not gone unnoticed by Sherri that the things the officer had told her had come to pass. She also remembered thinking at the Christmas party when she and Marsha met that Marsha had something that was lacking in her own life, and that was having Christ Jesus in her heart

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple