"Oh, finally, it's my time, huh?" The man in his forties sighed dramatically, his voice filled with exaggerated resignation. He had lived an ordinary life, devoid of the world's pleasures, and now found himself on death's doorstep.
"I recall being an extreme introvert, shunning family gatherings and fun. I sacrificed greatly to achieve what I have," he murmured, a hint of bitterness creeping into his tone. His words were a stark contrast to the carefree spirit typically associated with youth. It was unusual to encounter someone so eagerly anticipating death in their prime.
"What am I hearing? Someone is talking about me. Is this just my imagination, a product of this deathbed delirium?" The man's eyes flickered with confusion. Of course, it was no surprise that someone would be talking about him as he lay dying. After all, I was his death angel, invisible to his mortal sight, ready to usher him into the afterlife. His karma would determine his final destination: heaven or earth.
As I stood there, invisible to him, I couldn't help but shake my head. "Buddy, you're not imagining things. And by the way, you could really use a better monologue. This isn't Shakespeare, you know."
He continued muttering, dismissing the notion. "I suppose I'm becoming increasingly delusional," he said, rolling his eyes.
I cleared my non-existent throat. "Alright, time's up! Let's get this show on the road. Chop-chop!" I said, clapping my hands for emphasis.
The man looked around wildly. "Did someone just clap at me? I must be really losing it."
I floated over and poked him in the arm. "Hey, pal. Focus. It's me, your death angel. And you know what? Your life was a snooze-fest. Even I nodded off a few times. So let's get going before I doze off again."
He blinked. "A death angel with a sense of humor? Now I've seen everything."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Just remember, I know where you've been and where you're going. And trust me, it's not the Ritz."
He sighed one last time, a bit of a chuckle escaping his lips. "Alright, alright. Let's go then. But can you at least promise me a decent afterlife?"
I shrugged. "No promises, but I'll put in a good word for you. Now come on, before I grow wings and fly away without you."
With that, he finally gave in, and we began our journey, leaving behind the mundane life he had known.