No one knows much about black holes. Some scientists say there are universes within them. If that is so they are the children of the black hole. The universe. And somewhere on one of the wriggling paths that is a possible future Death is not the only being at the end, left to turn out the lights behind the rest.

It was the end of the universe. Two figures stood in the nothingness as the last things in existence. Death stood on one side with the half amused half exasperated expression of an older sister thwarted by the younger in an incredibly creative and irritating way. To the other side stood Hope of the Endless looking resolute. She raised her hand and her hand was the universe. A light shone through it and behind it as all the memories and the soul substance of the old universe collapsed into her. And she became a black hole. Death stepped forward and was absorbed. All there was was a black hole. And the black hole was the universe. Destruction of the Endless fueled the beginning of stars and Destiny of the Endless opened his book to the first page. Death waited off to the side for the first death was yet to come. And as the universe came together Dream of the Endless looked up from his new work and knew his name was Morpheus. Hope the black hole smiled smugly. Just because she was the universe didn't mean she couldn't have favorites. And Delight of the Endless who was not yet Delirium felt that the whole universe was delighted. She was awed as for a moment she caught sight of the being who was the universe. There are paths outside my brother's garden. She twirled and laughed as the universe laughed with her. It's time to try again.