When she finished her speech, I just stood there, staring at her in a daze.
The response I received was something I did not expect. Not because of its complexity, quite the opposite. It was simple; So simple it was unexpected.
A few seconds later, coming out of my reverie. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I don't know how much time passed, but when I opened them, I realized that it wasn't next to my body. He was gone.
The location I was now in was what I would describe as a vast library. The shelves were crammed with books, texts, and parchments. Some just by looking at them, you could tell they were quite old, others as young as if they had just left the printing plant a few hours ago.
But the big difference would be its huge shelves in the shape of Aztec pyramids. It had stairs that climbed to reach all the shelves, with walkways wide enough for four adults to walk side by side without a problem.
"Did you like my library? It's my kingdom's favorite spot." - Death
Coming out of my reverie, I looked at Death, who is now seated in a wooden chair, carved to look like a throne, but simply.
Now my gaze met hers, I could better understand where we were stepping. A vast Victorian-style marble floor. Have some symbols I didn't recognize, as well as what I think are scriptures.
Death, sitting on his simple throne, located right in the middle where four paths meet in an "X" shape. Looking down each of these vast corridors, the who knows paths? I can't say very well, they were quite wide, bigger than any road I've ever seen.
Strangely, I couldn't see its end. Only the long pyramids that flank the halls, which stretched as far as my vision could reach.
"If this curious can ask, don't be shy." - Death
Turning my attention to Death, I noticed she had a few shelves of books behind her. They were a normal size, and not full of books, only a few of them were in the rows.
"Did you say that this is your library?" - @#@#
"Correct. I what you're seeing is Library Before the End." - Death
She responded by raising her arms, pride evident in her voice.
"The entire history of every living being is recorded here. Humans, non-humans, monsters, animals, insects. And gods." - Death
When she spoke Gods I noticed a slightly playful tone.
"You accept this situation well, unlike many I brought here." - Death
"I'm surprised, really, is that so much information in such a short time would leave anyone... well, surprised." - @#@#
"Just sit back and relax. Standing for so long must have made you tired." - Death
I don't know when but a Death-like chair was behind me. On her advice I sat down in the chair.
Strangely just like she said my legs were tired from standing so much. From what I see, the dead get tired too.
And something I have only now come to understand. I'm not but in the guise of a lost soul. Before I was translucent, now I'm back in my body. Maybe that explains why my legs are tired.
"Before you ask anything. Relax a little, then you can ask whatever you want." - Death
I was about to ask some questions, but I decided to do what she said. In fact it wasn't just my legs that were tired, but my mind as well.
It felt like a dream, but I knew it wasn't one. I will not try to escape reality. I'm dead, and I accept that.
Even though my life was relatively short. I didn't have a place to call home... It's not correct, my parents were my "home". But when they were gone, and I was alone in the world, I just went on with my "quest", leading a pilgrim's life.
At 18 I joined the army just like my grandfather. Years later when my parents died, I had just returned from a mission, after the news, and the burial was completed, I took all my savings and left for a trip.
I traveled around the world, met interesting people, made friends and lovers. I learned to speak 4 different languages, I went through problems but also had good times.
Even though it's been a great life, the question hanging over my head cannot be answered. Well, until today.
After my internal monologue ended, I turned my attention to Death who still had the same subtle smile on his lips.
"I think I'm ready." - @#@#
I replied with a smile. Which she responded equally by growing hers still but.
"Then ask. Because I'm anxious for you to do them." - Death