An Old Friend Will Guide Us Home
It was cold, the breeze cut through Madeline's black dress and chilled her to the bone. There was something about the cry of the wind as it whistled through the gravestones that seemed oddly fitting to her.
She shuddered and then felt an arm drape over her shoulders. It was cool, but she felt the comfort it offered and leaned into it.
" It's all going to be fine Maddie." He whispered to her. " Come on, let's go home." He turned to leave.
Madeline took one last look down into the earth. The coffin so clean, so final. She wiped her eyes and steadied herself before leaving the men who stood in wait to bury what had once been.
"I can't go home. Not yet." She whispered to him as they strolled arm in arm through the graves back to the car.
" That's alright. We have all the time in the world. Whenever your ready." He pulled her tight against him and Madeline smiled. In spite of it all she smiled.
Not long after they had gotten into the car it started to rain. A fine misting rain, one that didn't seem too hard but after a few moments of standing in it, you were soaked to the skin. They parked the car and ran into the restaurant. They took a small corner table and sat out of view facing each other.
"You know you can't put it off forever Maddie." He spoke finally, cupping her delicate hands in his. Her skin was cold from the rain and pale from the long winter. She looked at him, her eyes filled with sorrow, her hair wet and flat against her head.
"I know, but please. Can we stay just one more night. I'm not ready. I know you came here to bring me home, and I know I asked for it. But.." Madeline felt her bottom lip begin to tremble, as the tears built in her eyes. She drew a breath and her whole body shook.
"One more night. But then it's time." He squeezed her hands and wiped away the tear that had rolled down her cheek.
"Thank you." She mouthed him. Too spent to speak the words.
The left the restaurant just as the rain stopped. The sun followed and as they walked, having sent the car and driver on his way the ground steamed and misted around them. As if the earth itself were baking. The hotel they were staying in was as good as empty. A few cars stood in the courtyard but they had yet to see any other guests. Their room was basic, but it met their needs.
They would lie in bed together, curled up, listening to the sounds of the world go by. They talked about childhood, school and vacations. They embraced each other, their bodies warm against the cold air of spring. So often regarded as the time of life, of new beginnings.
Madeline slept, slipping into the dark abyss, and for the first time since the funeral dreams returned. Colorful, vivid dreams, memories of her past all rolled together. A montage of times past, memories made and shared. Joys and sorrows all relived, and when she woke she knew.
It was time to go home.
When Madeline opened her eyes she knew where she was, she stared at the ground, the grave now two weeks filled. She opened her hand and felt his icy fingers slips through hers once more…
For she had called him to come and guide her home…
… and his name was Death.
