Death stands before me. Flames dance within his black eyes. The room is cold. Air escapes my lungs as the machine bellows another beep. I can't move. I am stuck in this bed, tied down by my body's own failures. Cancer they call it. But Death is all I see. His talons caress my pale cheeks as he waits patiently. It is only a matter of time.

I should have been dead long ago. Back when Death took my friends. He left me to perish, sparing me while everyone else in the car wasn't. I screamed at Death that day. Both out of anger and longing.

But now he is back. His image clearer, as I am closer to him.

The beeps persist but quicken.

He pulls out his sword.

I am ready.

Even faster.

The sword is raised.

Just do it.

It comes down, and I see the faces of my friends in his blade.

The beeping stops.