As I walked to school like usual, and crossed the intimidating road, something felt wrong. And before I knew it, I was on my knees and then on my stomach. I taken a hard blow to the chest, feeling the wrath spread like wildfire through my body. Everything paused for a moment. I could hear nothing but the ringing from my own ears growing. All I could see were blurs. Then everything went black. It was peaceful. I wasnt scared.

Then I met him. The grim reaper. I thought he was simply a myth, but seeing him standing in front of me was so astonishing. He wasnt quite like I imagined. He was beautiful…

He wore a cloak, but it was shining and had a faint glow lingering around it. His face was inviting, and he had a warm smile. I wasnt scared of him in the slightest. I looked around to find myself in complete darkness, but I could see him perfectly fine. He held out his hand to me, still smiling. Why was he happy to see me? Didnt he know what happened to me? Do I?

He helped me from off the ground and grabbed my other hand so we were adjacent to watch other. His eyes were pure and full of hope, but I could tell they had been pained by awaiting sadness. “Welcome, dear child.”

“Where am I?”

“Why this is my world, the world of the dead. And and I am the grim reaper.”

“Im not scared of you,” I said releasing my grip, and backing away slowly.

“I am glad. There is nothing of me to fear.”

I was confused by this.

“I am not scared of deah, either. Do you see that often?”

“Not at all. Everyone seems to be scared of death.”

“I was scared,” I interrupted. “Until I realized I didnt have to be. I could embrace it.”

“That is wonderful, dear child. I can tell you are wise. It is true, death is beautiful. It is the exit of one world and the enterance to another.”

“I am glad to be here.”

“The world of death provides joy to many. Sometimes sadness, fear, and even anger. But that is what I am here for. To heal those whose lives had been left unfinished.”

“Was mine?”

“Yes. You had so much more ahead of you. Which is why I am letting you go back. The world of death will still stand when your time comes. Maybe you will see me in your dreams,” death said.

“I hope.” I finally said, feeling a release. I was transported back to the world, and awoken by the sound of frantic strangers doing anything in thier power to wake me.

“I want to go back,” I manage to escape in between raspy breaths.

“Shhh…” someone says, soothing me with a back rub.

That night in the hospital, death came to me once more.

“Dear child, feel free to visit me whenever you may need a helping hand.” Then he disappeared once more. I knew now, that death was never scary. It was not something to fear. It was beautiful. Something to enjoy, the exit of one world and the enterance of another.