[ WP ] Death is about to retire and has chosen a successor , which is you .

`` But why me?'' 
 
 Alan stood in the grass, the sun setting slowly on the horizon. It was a chilly September evening. He held his jacket over his shoulder, his tie loosened around his neck. He asked his question to a man standing at his right, a few paces behind him. He did n't turn around to face the man as he answered. 
 
 `` I ca n't explain to you just how tired I am. Do you think I get any rest, do you think I am in such a position that I can take a vacation? I make the world turn, in a way. Surely you understand.'' 
 
 `` But I do n't understand. I mean - it's always been you, right? Who ever heard of death retiring anyway? It's not like you're an accountant or a doctor that's saved enough money to live out his golden years gardening and playing bridge. I suppose next you'll tell me that Santa Claus is looking for an heir.'' 
 
 He chuckled. `` Everything has its time and everything comes to pass. It is simply my time to go.'' The man put his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks and took a step toward Alan. `` And I ca n't leave without finding someone to bear this burden for me. And make no mistake, it is a burden that I'm trying to pass.'' 
 
 `` Time to pass the scythe, I guess? I do n't see you carrying a torch.'' 
 
 He laughed again, this time letting it fall out of his chest like thunder far in the distance. Soft and rich and full of energy. `` It's funny the ways people try and define who I am - what I am, all superstitions and images and darkness. Some fear me. Some welcome me. If I have my way, soon it will be you they think about.'' 
 
 Alan turned to face the old man. The face that looked back at him was not what he expected. There was no cloak, there was no bony figure standing among shadows. There was only hair and skin and bones and gray eyes that looked but at the same time did n't see anything in particular. Eyes that had seen enough and were tired of seeing altogether. 
 
 `` Did you check my resume? Make sure my credentials were fit for the position? I hardly see how a 32 year old financial planner fits the bill.'' Alan loosened his tie further. 
 
 `` The bill? I suppose you think only coroners and morticians are qualified candidates? What was I when I started? A farmer, a doctor, a postman? I do n't recall. What does that say about my time here? It hardly seems like it matters. I'm giving you the chance to see beyond everything else. To see countries rise and fall and tragedy and wonder and everything in between. Although I would be lying if I told you it was n't the tragedy you found yourself in the midst of most often.'' 
 
 `` I'm still waiting for the pros.'' 
 
 `` The pros? You will spend eternity - no matter how long you stay it will seem like an eternity - guiding the souls of those who have passed on. Nothing more, nothing less. You will bear witness to history. A wry smile appeared on the old man's lips. He looked up and met Alan's gaze. `` The job's also yours as long as you want it. How does that sound for job security? There are no depressions or recessions or busy seasons. At least, that is not how you have come to know them.'' 
 
 `` And what will happen to you? Ride off into the sunset?'' 
 
 `` I will be the first you carry on. I will not fight you; you will find there are many that do not struggle and others that cling to their bodies as if they could n't imagine being without it. Do n't worry, they always understand as you carry them. So will it come to pass with me.'' 
 
 Alan tossed his jacket over the headstone that stood in front of him. The sky was slowly fading into a mixture of purple and orange and yellow, casting long shadows as the two men stood on the hill in front of freshly turned earth. 
 
 `` I ca n't help but blame you, you know. You're a real bastard.'' 
 
 `` I know.'' The old man stared up at the evening sky, admiring its beauty. A breeze blew around them both and they stood for a moment in a comfortable silence, watching as leaves tumbled around and off into the chilly autumn evening. 
 
 Without another word, Alan took two steps toward the man and wrapped him in what looked at first like an embrace. He put one arm behind his neck and the other swept behind the old man's legs until he was carrying him, like a fireman carrying someone out of a burning building. The old man was light in his arms and Alan took a moment to look down at him. His eyes were closed and his face had an expression of peace painted on it. He only looked for a moment before he turned his gaze toward the city beneath them. He walked slowly down the hill and toward the buildings and houses below. 
 
 His arms were not so full yet.
