We stared at each other for an indefinite period of time. I took my gaze from her to the book she now held in her hands. The same one she caressed the cape.
"Read." - Death
Taking the book from her hands, I studied the cover. It wasn't leather, or any material she knew. It is smooth and smooth to the touch. Clearly a new book.
Opening it, a smell that I can only describe as 'new' came to my nostrils.
Reading word for word, I followed the story of a newborn. Everything he did during his life. The first time he crawled, walked, injured himself, absolutely everything, and in great detail. The baby grew into a child, from a child to a youth, and then into an adult. And at the end of his story, the young adult, standing in front of a bookshelf, in a gigantic library, accompanied by the lady of Death.
"It's my story..." — @#@#
"You haven't finished seeing every book...go on." - Death
Turning my attention back to the book, I turned to the next page. Just for a blank candle, there was nothing written on it, not even a smear of ink. Moving on to the next pages, the same scenario repeated itself. Completely white pages.
"Do you realize now?" - Death
"Yes, I understand. My life isn't over yet." — @#@#
"Everyone's end will always be to find me. However, they have to walk a path to me. And you haven't walked yours yet." - Death
Closing my eyes, I thought about all the way here.
Then I understood, why. All my life, I practically didn't experience any of it. I just kept pace with things, passively, just going with the flow. But live? No, definitely not.
"Hahahahaha!" — @#@#
"Sorry…sorry, couldn't help it. Haha." — @#@#
True, how can I not laugh at this situation. My whole life up until now has been a quest, which at some point concludes, that I wouldn't get a satisfying answer, no matter who you ask.
But here I am, in the company of Death, talking, drinking, telling stories and laughing happily. I got the answer to my question. I vented my lifelong frustrations. I did all this thinking that after here it would be over. But fate is a bitch. I can have a new life, a new beginning.
"So tell me. Do you want to walk the path of life?" - Death
Still looking at him with a smile on his face. I responded promptly in agreement.
Upon receiving my reply. Death clapped. The sound was so loud that the entire library shook. Strangely, it didn't influence me.
"Then so be it. Your other life awaits." - Death
A door then appeared beside him. Totally white, strangely it didn't radiate light or heat.
"Before you go get this. A gift from one of my brothers." - Death
The 'item' that Death delivered a small crystal book.
"What is it?" — @#@#
I asked. A book I was sure it was, albeit a small one.
"This is your dream. The last dream you had. How about seeing what it is." - Death
Taking a look at the contents, the embarrassment was evident on my face.
"I was probably still a kid when I dreamed about this. Shame on you." — @#@#
"There's no reason to be ashamed of a dream. And what dream isn't embarrassing?" - Death
"I believe you're right." — @#@#
I sighed at his answer. She is probably right.
"More because your brother gave it to me?" — @#@#
I couldn't understand. Why Death's brother would give me this, a souvenir perhaps.
"I made a deal with him. Everyone who has a new opportunity will have the possibility to live their dream. Of course, there are limits to that, and if you can make that dream come true it's only up to you." - Death
Pointing to the book. He said:
"It's just a way to help your way to conquer him." - Death
Signaling her arm's sound toward the door.
"Just walk through the door holding your dream." - Death
Taking a look at my dream, I thought to myself. Why not? Who wouldn't want to live their own dreams, even for a moment.
"I see that not giving up on your dream, that's good. But before you leave, extend your left hand." - Death
Did she want a handshake before I left?
Extending my arm. Before I could take her hand, she grabbed my wrist, and drew some sort of triangle on the back of my palm. It was all fast, and when I realized it was already over.
"That's my gift, for bestowing your company." - Death
Observing where the drawing would be, I noticed that it disappeared. It just disappeared.
"And what would it be. A blessing?" — @#@#
"Who knows. But I'm sure you'll find out." - Death
I've seen that look before, it's the look of someone who doesn't want to talk. Shrugging, I put the matter to the back of my mind. She said I would find out what it was in the future, so no hurry.
"So I suppose it's goodbye." — @#@#
"It's not goodbye for me. In the future we'll meet, I just hope it's not too soon." - Death
"Equally." — @#@#
looking at aLast time to his abyssal eyes, I focused my attention on the door in front of me.
Taking a deep breath, he took the first step towards the door. Wondering what was on the other side. A lifetime to be lived, and this time, I'll make sure to cherish every moment. Walk my own path.
And so I began, my... no, a new journey.