Excerpt from the Short Story: During a brief lull in the excitement, Lazarus managed to escape with his friend John, yes the disciple. “I cannot suffer this celebration any longer.” John was caught off guard by Lazarus. He’d never heard him speak so directly before, especially an expression of discomfort. Yet, considering what had transpired, John did his best to maintain composure. “Why? What’s going on Lazarus?” “Have you ever suffered such agony you yearned for it to end? Been so feeble life itself became unbearable? Have you died before?” “No, I haven’t. But isn’t your revival miraculous?” “Miracle? I have to die again!" "Yes, I understand," John replied gently. "To others this seems a blessing. I'll help bear what burden I can, my friend.” John understood Lazarus in a way no one else did. He recognized the changes wrought by Lazarus's death and miraculous revival. It wasn't just his demeanor that had shifted. The illness that killed him, and the shock of returning, left his body gaunt and diminished. His fingers remained blue, his flesh soft and bloated - such was the reality of Lazarus's second lease on life.......