[ wp ] you spend your whole life advocating atheism . upon dying uou wake in a white wrong facing a man dressed finely . He tells you he is God and asks you a question ... ..

`` Did you live well?'' 
 
 Confusion clouded my mind. `` Uh, I think so yeah. I mean, I was n't a saint or anything and I did n't believe.... but I volunteered at that homeless shelter and donated to charity when I could. Plus I was a physician's assistant so I, you know, helped people.'' 
 
 The man's stare did n't falter as I stammered through my response. He does n't blink and I finally break eye contact. I look around at the room. All white walls, a white floor and a white ceiling. One black door behind `` God'' that did n't appear to have a handle. No windows. 
 
 `` I did not ask if you performed good works, I asked if you lived well.'' My eyes snapped back to the man. I swallowed. 
 
 `` Oh. Um. Well I was a good student. I wanted to be a doctor but you know how Penny got pregnant. I mean we were married but we were n't trying so we did n't expect it. Anyway, we thought being a PA would be a better option for the family. I was good at it, I provided for my family. Penny was a great wife and mother. Tommy is a wonderful boy...'' 
 
 My voice trailed off as tears stung my eyes. Penny and Tommy were gone from me forever now. 
 
 `` I did not ask if you lived responsibly, I asked if you lived well.'' 
 
 Silence filled the room as I miserably looked at the floor. I do n't know what he wants. I could imagine the seconds ticking away as if there were a clock in the room. I realized there was no sound at all. Not just that there was no clock or noise, but there was nothing. No electricity, no breathing from myself or the man, and no heartbeat in my chest. 
 
 `` Did you live well?'' His voice was soft this time and I looked in his eyes again. They seemed to genuinely care about my response. 
 
 `` I think so. I was happy.'' 
 
 God then smiled the most brilliant smile I had ever witnessed and my confusion and pain were just swept away, as if a wave of peace had washed over the whole room. 
 
 `` Good. You may proceed.'' He stepped aside and my attention landed on the door, which was now open. Beyond was darkness, but it looked more like dusk on a warm summer night than anything ominous. 
 
 I glanced back at God and he nodded to me solemnly. I took it as encouragement and faced the doorway. Then I stepped into the unknown.
