Her last thought was of Jesse. Then there was a moment of panic, a burst of pain…and nothing. After somewhere between a moment and an eternity, Leslie found herself sitting back on the bank on the Terabithia side, next to a young woman dressed in black.
"Leslie Burke, huh?" the older girl said. "Nice to meet you. You and that boy Jesse managed to impress my big brother-I haven't seen too many people do that in decades, at least."
"What? I…who are you?"
She smiled at Leslie. "I'm Death, kid."
Leslie might have argued, but she'd spent her life with an open mind, and there was something in the older girl's eyes, older than mountains or civilization or the world itself, which hinted that this was no ordinary teen.
"You're…so am I…did I…"
"I'm afraid so, yeah."
"And I can't go back?"
Death's voice was gentle, and sympathetic, and absolutely uncompromising. "No."
"Can…can you just give me a minute?"
"Sure, kid. Take your time."
Leslie bent over and put her head in her hands. She thought of Bill and Judy, of Jesse, of running and climbing and laughing and crying and living. She thought of being cuddled up with a book as the rain poured down outside, of exploring Terabithia with her best friend, of winning the race on the first day of fifth grade, of pain and loneliness and friendship and love.
She was aware of a hand holding out a clean white handkerchief, which she took with a grateful nod, wiped her eyes, and blew her nose.
"Thanks," she managed.
"No problem."
They sat quietly for a while, until the other nudged her. "You ready?"
"For what?"
"That's up to you, kid."
Leslie took a deep breath, and let it out. "Okay. Let's go."
Death smiled and extended a hand. Leslie took it. They rose, together, and turned away from the world.
And Leslie saw that the rain had stopped, and that the woods were bright and green and full, and all the creatures and people of Terabithia had gathered to welcome in their Queen for her next great adventure.
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