[ WP ] You made a deal with the Devil , and now he 's come to collect .

The cold hard stone floor was empty, save a pile of red cloth in the middle of the room. More specifically: a red night gown. The room was gloomy. The only source light was the moon light, creating square patterns on the floor the shape of windows. He lit a candle. The room was gloomy and dark, but felt safer with the orange light flickering throughout the room. 
 
 He took a a large sip from his glass and felt the heat flow through his body. The little night gown moved. He downed the rest of his glass and stared at her. She was fiddling with her hair. Her blond locks were hanging in front of her face clumsily grasped by her small weak hands. `` Has she ever seen her own hair before?'' he wondered. He let go off the thought after realizing that such small everyday discoveries for a small child was never to be witnessed by him again. 
 
 He filled his glass again, this time to the rim. `` Daddy?'' she said. Staring at him with endless curiosity and awe. `` yes my love?'' He smiled. It was not a sad smile. It was a smile of pure love and appreciation. `` I am tired.'' He downed his glass. He felt the liquor burn in his throat. `` I know dear, but you only have to be awake for a tiny bit longer.'' 
 She gave him a look of confusion but did n't speak again. He continued. `` I just wan na see you one last..'' He held back a tear. `` One last time before you go to bed…'' 
 
 The next few minutes he just sat there watching his daughter. She crawled around touching anything within her reach. Every move presented a new discovery, something new and fascinating she could explore. A blanket, a chair and a flower in the corner of the living room. He spoke up again. `` I have lived and discovered, for quite a few years. Not like you. You have plenty years ahead of you. Do you understand?'' Of course she did n't understand, but he knew that very well. He kept talking, in an attempt to find some comfort in his own words. `` I love you. Good luck dear.'' 
 
 His daughters playtime came to a sudden end as she turned her head facing the door at the other side of the room. `` am i interrupting?'' The voice was dark, but oddly comforting.'' `` no, i was just finished'' Death no longer scared him, not the idea of dying, nor the creature. It continued speaking. `` Are you ready?'' He hesitated. `` Yes i am.'' the tall dark creature appeared in front of him., barely visible against the shadows. Strangely it felt better meeting Death in the dark. In darkness you did not have to look him in the eyes, or behold his strange features. The creature crossed the room and stopped in front of his daughter. 
 
 A sudden sense of panic struck him. `` Do not touch her! We had a deal!'' `` Yes, and i will honor our agreement.'' 
 He nodded in response his eyes locked on the child. `` But as you understand i am intrigued and fascinated by the living.'' Death stood still and stared upon his daughter for a while before he spoke again. `` Now if you please, my time is precious''. He stood up straight with his chin held high. `` Take me with you, i am ready.'' All of sudden he felt no fear anymore. He was ready to meet his destiny.'' He crossed the room and stopped besides death. Death opened his hand and held it out into the shadows. `` After you my friend'' He started walking, and took one last glance over his shoulder. He watched his daughter sitting quietly on the floor, innocent and oblivious. He walked into the darkness with death by his side, into nothing.''
