Little Heaven(Jovanska Santoso) To break the awkward atmosphere between me and the beautiful little girl sitting across me, I said an awkward sentence, “You really look like your mother, Florence.” She innocently looked at me and replied, “That’s to be expected.” It all started by a seemingly ridiculous request. This little client visited the laboratory I am working at after those numerous conferences I have attended. The words of the MC still rings inside my head loud and clear, “The lovely Mrs. Starling here has invented the world’s dream machine, a teleportation device!” Not long after that, a young, beautiful little lady appeared and said she has something to ask of me. She was so beautiful; I adore her immediately in first sight. When she introduced her full name to me, I knew immediately who she is. Florence is the daughter of a deceased talented singer.

I stood up from my chair and moved beside her. A white bunny plush rested on her embrace as usual. “I am a fan of Felicia, you know?” I bent my knees and looked into her eyes. In response, she only nodded. “Are you sure you can bring me up to heaven?” Florence asked me innocently. I shook my head. “But it’s worth trying.” I remember the time she came to me on my laboratory two days ago and she directly asked me “Can you please take me up to heaven?” I staggered at her words. My device is not capable of doing that, I suppose. And why would I bring an innocent child up to heaven by force?

“Shall we start?” Florence closed her eyes and took a deep breath just as I instructed her as the initial steps of teleportation. I took that as a yes. “What if I fail, dear?” I asked in hesitation. “It’s fine.” She assured me right away. I can’t really be a hundred percent sure that this little machine in my hand can fulfill her wish. I’ve never been to heaven up there, anyways. Felicia passed away 2 months ago and is the mother of this beautiful child here. The child reclining in the chair beside seems impatient or rather anxious, to be exact. “Miss Starling, are you done with the preparations?”

“Be patient, honey.” I ball my fist and clenched my teeth tight. I started working with the machine. As words spill out of the screen before me, I moved my fingers across it, giving it instructions. The device originally fits your pocket, but I designed it that you input instructions through the screen that will pop in front of you out of the device. It’s pretty convenient for its user to bring it anywhere any time considering its size. This reminded me that the size was highlighted by the MC of some conferences I attended. When all the instructions needed are completely inputted, the next thing I need to do is type in is the destination. Options usually appear as I typed. “No… No. Not this ‘Heaven’…” I murmured to myself in desperation. I glanced at Florence who appeared to be asleep as she waited for me.

I frowned in uneasiness. “Here goes nothing…” I only typed ‘Heaven’ in the bar and left it as it is. No specific address. I pressed a button with the word “Confirm” which means that the user is ready. A warning bar popped out saying “The address is incomplete. Do you still wish to continue?” I know it sounds ridiculous that this kind of warning pops out, who would teleport somewhere you don’t know? But… Who cares about that now? I pressed the ‘Yes’ button and the final screen appeared. The screen raced the words “You will now be teleported”. A progress bar appeared to notify us how complete the teleportation is.

I observed my surroundings as it gradually changed. Starting from the tile I stepped on, the walls, the ceilings, everything. My white office’s ceiling changed into the endless blue sky. The land I’m stepping on is covered in short grasses. Behind me is a thick forest, which seems to lead me to nowhere. Above me is a white arch labeled “Eden”, decorated with vines entwining the arch. The gates were wide open, but I dare not land a foot inside. I could only stand there, dumbfounded and mesmerized by the sights I could see from the outside. Faintly, sounds of many people singing can be heard from inside. So serene and calming, so peaceful that my heart melts away with the song. The number of people singing is undoubtedly countless, but I can always distinguish this certain voice. I thought that heaven is a fancy or a classic white grand palace, but to think it’s going to be the garden Eden…

“Um…” I looked back and saw Florence waking up. She rubbed her eyes gently and seemed confused as she looked around. “Where are we?” The question slipped out of her lips. “Somewhere you longed to go, honey.” A soft woman’s voice came from behind me. I turned around once again and I can see by the gate woman standing outside of the gate. She wore a white flowing dress. I opened my jaws wide in amazement. “Mother!” Florence cried out as she hugged her mother. I could only cry as I watch them reunite.

“… Ling… Miss Starling!” The vague voice became clearer little by little. My eyes were wet and it felt like tears were running down my face. I wipe my cheeks and turned my head towards Florence who pouted at me. This is definitely my office. Did we return magically or what? “Why are you asleep suddenly?” she asked. In shock, I looked at the device, waiting for me to input the destination. For these two last nights I’ve been losing sleep, thinking of the possibility of the machine bringing me up there. “Sorry, I couldn’t sleep well last night. Shall I continue?”

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