Chapter 1
Ethan died in a dark alley behind a supermarket, but it wasn't the way he had ever imagined his life would end. From the moment he was born, he had harbored a deep-seated fear of death. He couldn't explain it, but it kept him from doing many things that other kids his age enjoyed.
So when a terrible headache pulled him from sleep and the sunlight flooded the room, he found himself wondering if he had somehow ended up in heaven. Sitting up and gazing at the ceiling, he asked, "Wait, is this heaven?"
As he scanned the room, a thrill of triumph coursed through him. "Yes! Suck on that, Dad! I made it, and you're probably rotting in hell."
"Master, what are you talking about?"
Ethan jumped at the unexpected voice, turning his head to see a man standing mere inches from him. "Ahhh! Who are you?" he yelled, scrambling backward and tumbling off the bed with a thud. Panic surged through him. "Nooo! I'm in hell, aren't I? I'm going to have to spend eternity with my dad."
"Are you sick, Mr. Rick? Should I call a doctor?"
The name jolted Ethan. "What did you just call me?" he demanded, confusion mingling with fear.
