We’re only promised two things when we enter this place; we live and we die.

Today I live. But do I want to?

My feet touched the cold sand as I pondered the thought. Day after day I go to work and come home. Nothing more, nothing less.

I was comfortable, wasn’t I?

Maybe I’m not. If I were I wouldn’t be standing here as rumors circulate about the world ending. Our world is ending. Not to climate change or alien invasion change, but people disappearing, laws being passed without much of a whisper.

This was the new reality.

A sound on my left interrupted my thoughts. I had to move, there is a curfew in place and I have work tomorrow anyway.

I quickly rushed my steps to my bike. Cars were forbidden ever since it made the air a gray smog, but even with that it didn’t change much.

Hopefully whatever it was didn’t see me. I couldn’t risk it, riding on my bike. I cautiously looked around before turning up the block to my tiny house. Once home I turned on the tv. The news said another person is missing. Light a candle and move on.

My cell phone rings. I don’t answer it. It rings eleven times after. I still don’t answer. A moment later there was a knock at my door.

I froze.

It knocked again. This time with a bit more force.

I refused to move.

Then I heard the lock click.

I’m done for.

I was “politely” escorted out of my home on the grounds of breaking curfew. Lucky since this was my first offense, I was hit with a night in the tomb and a warning.

What made matters worse, I missed work and with that I was fired.

I rode my bike back to the sands. Only a matter of time before I lose my home. I sigh.

Night time is approaching. Should I stay or go?

Hey! Girl! you better head home soon!

I laugh. Um. I’ll take my chances. Besides, I should say the same to you.

The person paused.

I heard footsteps headed closer to my direction.

Deathwish huh?

Something like that.

Well if you insist on getting caught at least make them work for it.

I guess I’m an easy catch.

He grabs my arm.

Hey!

He tries to pull me with him.

Look dude-.

Dude? I haven’t heard that one in a while.

What can I say, I like old movies.

He smiled. Come on now.

I’m not going anywhere with you, you stranger. I don’t know who you are or who you’re with.

I’m part of a special kind of group. You’re safe with me.

I just stared at him.

He looked back at me. You, my dear Sienna Carter, what have you done to have you on their radar?

Breathe. Live. I don’t know.

You’re not safe, come with me.

Am I your damsel?

Hardly.

We come up to a van.

A van! typical.

He looked confused and walked around it.

You coming?

I walked around it, seeing a slight opening.

Oh what the hell, I’m dead anyway.

I went down the cold tunnel. Darkness.

Come this way. He grabbed my hand.

I felt a calmness like never before and then a bright light surrounded us.

I forgot to ask, what is your name?

Silence. I opened my eyes. I grasp!

I was in my mother’s garden.

Hello, my sweet Lily.

I turned around. Mom? How?

She had died of a brain tumor when I was 15.

She smiled.

Who was that man? What is this?

That was Caleb, he’s a sort of a reaper Lily.

A reaper? So What- Am I dead?

Yes-.

How?

All in due time.

So this is the afterlife. It took some time but I learned I was killed that day when they entered my home. It was such a shock I remained there repeating my last days for quite some time. Caleb kept tabs on me until I was ready to leave.

I am safe now.

We live and we die.