The night was falling, its dark cloak slowly covering everything in its path. The park in the middle of the woods was beginning to look desolate, with only me sitting on the bench, waiting for my date. This was our third meeting, always on a Tuesday, always at the exact same time.

My mind wandered back to our last encounter and what she had shown me. I was beginning to understand that life and death are nothing more than an eternal pilgrimage through worlds, endlessly.

“Are you ready for today?” Her voice sounded, as soft and pleasant as ever—a voice that dulled my senses in a moment of ecstasy. “I can’t wait to show you more of my world.”

She was there, more beautiful and radiant than her voice.

“Yes, I’m ready, my lady,” I answered, bowing my head and gently kissing her hand. “As always, I am at your service.”

“Well then, hold on to my waist tightly,” she replied. With that, her shining white wings lifted us high into the sky, carrying me through the clouds on that dark night. After a while, we arrived at a vast, arid desert, hot and blazing under the sun. Below, I saw people with their heads buried in holes in the dry ground. As I wondered what it all meant, she explained, “These are the souls of those who, in life, could never quench their thirst. They always wanted more, no matter the cost or who they had to harm. They were always empty and dry. Here, they must search for water beneath the ground to satisfy their thirst. Once they complete their penance, they will be transferred to the next level, where they can begin to ascend.”

“Wow,” I replied, astonished. “I know many people like that.” I was taken aback by this vision—a terrible fate, but somehow just.

We ascended once more, and with the blink of an eye, the scene changed. We were now in a desolate, pitch-dark landscape that seemed tangible, as if one could reach out and touch the darkness. In the middle of it, a small campfire glowed faintly, with people gathered around it. As we drew closer, I could hear the sounds of weeping, the grinding of teeth, and laments of regret.

“This is the land of outer darkness,” she said, her voice tinged with sorrow. “It is where the souls of those who were once faithful, but became entangled in distractions, are sent to complete their purification. They failed to finish their purpose in life, and now they must remain here for a thousand years before they may enter the rest of paradise.”

“I see,” I replied thoughtfully, considering whether I, too, sometimes allowed myself to be distracted from my purpose. “At least these souls have a better hope than the first ones you showed me. Will you show me the land of the righteous?”

She smiled and nodded. “Perhaps, but that will be for another time. There is much more I must show you first. For today, what you have seen is enough. Keep these things in your heart.”

With a swift turn, she headed back, veiled by the clouds, the stars shining brighter than ever above us. As I pondered all she had shown me, we began our descent. The city lights below grew brighter, then the buildings came into view. We moved away from them, approaching the woods until we landed softly like a feather, back in the same park, on the same bench where we had met.

“Until our next meeting,” she said kindly. “Remember, same day and same time.” She kissed me softly, then rose swiftly into the night sky and disappeared.

I never imagined I would befriend and have rendezvous with the Angel of Death. I never imagined she would be so radiant and beautiful, or that she would show me—the simplest of priests—the wonders of the afterlife. Meeting her has revived my faith and given me hope and love.