I fall.
The darkness overwhelms me.
I fall.
Deeper into the abyss of Death.
So, this is dying.
I think I hear my name.. somewhere in that darkness..
It calls.
It sounds terrified.
Why? Shouldn't Death be inviting me?
I struggle, trying to reach the source.
But it slips from my grasp.
My strength drains away by the effort, but the call of my name is persistent.
I manage a snort. Death can be very amusing.
I feel coldness wrapping itself around my skin, pain everywhere on my body.
My eyes close halfway from the agonizing feel of it all. My teeth chatter on it's own accord.
Death can also be so unpleasant.
The sudden light shocks me that I shut my eyes tight.
The warmth enveloping me also surprises me.
What is this? Is Death being nice?
I hear my name clearly, loudly.
The feel of hands on my arms, something shaking me.
Salty tears fall on my face, into my mouth.
My eyes open into small slits.
I see a face, a familiar one that unsettles me by the watery eyes and tearstained cheeks.
The ebony hair sticks to the face, and I realize that rain is falling from the dark skies.
Her eyes widen and she calls me again, tentatively at first before saying it with more confidence.
I was confused but didn't say so. I can't make any sense of it all. My body is hurting too much too.
I try to tell her to stop gripping me so hard. It comes out in an undecipherable slur.
She leans in to catch my words and when she does, she lets go.
I see more people coming into view. I can't really make out their faces.
Somewhere.. I hear my name again. I feel a hand brush the hair off of my forehead.
"Help him!" I hear.
"Please do something!" another voice says.
I try to open my eyes further, but I am tired. I see a flash of lighting that lights the sky and the thunder that follows roars in my ears.
This is madness. Is this what Death truly looks like?
My eyes close and someone yells my name over the pouring rain, willing me to stay with her.
Stay with her? What does that mean? It sounds funny...
Another yells at me to wake up and open my eyes.
Have I been sleeping?
I hear my name over and over, screamed out by men and women.
They want me to stay alive.
And something snaps in my head.
They are waiting for you.
You can't die.
Not yet.
The words go round and around my head.
I can't die yet.
They are waiting for me.
And I feel a fire within my body, searing me with ferocity and power.
I have to live.
They are waiting.
Not only the people around me now, but also the people I know who aren't.
I won't make them miserable.
I won't let them cry.
No. I will never let them cry because of me.
I will never again make her cry because of me.
And I live.