“It’ll be quick, just like that. Bang! You’re dead. No hard feelings, eh Celeste?” The voice was soft, tears evident, but I wouldn’t look up, I wouldn’t acknowledge her words or sorrow. Not now that I knew the truth, not now that she was going to end it.

    The loud cracking sound startled me, almost as much as the pain did. She hadn't quite hit correctly, I was sure, I fell backward. Lights streaming in a glowing line of pain, Karen's face all jumbled, droplets of blood floating through the air slowly landing like little butterflies that have finally exhausted themselves. I took one last breath and then... and then what?

    A lovely young lady was lifting my wrist, calling time of death. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at my soul's carrier, something I didn't quite feel comfortable with. But then, at least I was feeling, of course this isn't what I expected death to be, my subscription to death was nothingness.