"Do you ever wonder why we're here?"
"It's one of life's great mysteries, isn't it. Why are we here? I mean, are we the product of some cosmic coincidence, or is there really a God watching everything? You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know man, but it keeps me up at night..."
On a sick bed in a hospital, a man lays still in his final moments. He's touched the lives of many, and always showed compassion and effort.
Unfortunately, things aren't always fair.
The bulbs that burn the brightest often burn out the quickest, but they lighten everyone's hearts tenfold before they do.
He has said his goodbyes. He has shared somber smiles with his closest friends. He has kissed his wife away for the last time.
Monty sighed contently. He had left his mark on the world. Fighting this was hopeless. He would accept his fate.
He knew what would come next. A hooded, scythe wielding figure would take him, like the billions of people before.
"Monty? Are you there? Can you hear me?"
His weak heart quickened. He heard a voice he knew better than any other.
"Ruby?" The man asked in the depths of his confusion. "Is that you?"
The short figure at his bedside pulled down her hood, revealing her familiar pale face. She outstretched a hand to her creator. To her friend.
"Come on, big guy." The hooded girl whispered with a smile. "I'll walk you home."
Monty was hesitant. The hooded girl still smiled with comforting warmth.
"It's not as bad as you think. Don't worry, you'll see everyone again someday." Ruby stretched her hand out once again. "Now, let's go. It's your turn to relax. There's a party for you."
Monty couldn't help but return a soft smile. He extended his weak, trembling hand and felt it grasp the hooded girl's small, strong one. Ruby helped him out of bed.
Monty felt the real world slip away. Tranquility found him. He was at peace. He followed his red-caped friend to his afterlife, knowing for certain that one day he would be reunited with his loved ones.
The hardest working man on earth finally gained his well-earned rest.