Alex was keeping the door between Heaven and Earth. No one had given him any instructions on who to let in or who to keep out so he was winging it.

“Can I go in?” Middle-aged woman, thick ankles, weak eyes.

“Um,” said Alex. “What do you think?”

“I’ve been pretty good,” she said. “I’ve tried to lead a good life.”

“Yeah, sure, okay, then. In you go.” And in she went, back a little straighter.

Everyone was nude for some reason. He would have asked about that if there’d been anyone to ask. Some people took it in stride like Johnny Weissmueller, shoulders back and faces clear, and others huddled in on themselves.

“Hi.” Young man, bearded, good skin.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Alex. “I can’t let you in.”

“What? Why not?”

“Not a beer drinker. Next!”