[ WP ] '' Death extends his hand , smiling , “ Deal ? ” ''

I awoke to waves dancing on my feet. It was daytime, but no sun hung in the sky and there was no heat from the light. There was no breeze or sound, just a shoreline against the sea. I could n't help but think of being at home, it was like waking after a heavy snow. Everything felt so peaceful. So quite and balanced. 
 `` There really is nothing like it, is there?'' 
 He stood directly behind me, cloaked in darkness and shadow. It was nightfall behind him, creeping up to the hillsides that covered the beach from the empty mainland. He seemed tired, like he had n't slept in centuries. 
 `` Is this what death is like? Am I to stay here forever?'' I could n't help but feel that this, like all things, was temporary. 
 `` No'' He said, gazing off into the vast sea. 
 `` Most people resist their death, kicking and screaming the whole way. You on the other hand, you're different. Its not often I have the pleasure of meeting someone who accepts death.'' 
 I got to my feet and stood next to him, gazing out at the sea. `` What does this mean for me? What happens to everyone else?'' 
 He let out a small sigh. `` Everyone's fate is their own. What is important is that you have a choice to make. You can come with me and find the true beauty that awaits in death, or you can go back again.'' 
 `` I can go back? Will I survive the cancer this time?'' 
 A smirk crept from the corner of his lips. `` Not quite, you'll be born again in another time.'' 
 `` Is that even possible?'' 
 `` Time is only linear in life, it disintegrates and becomes fluid after death. Most mortals struggle with this, feeling like they wasted their time. This causes them to become angry at their demise, hateful of death and resentful of life. With the acceptance of death you're offered a choice.'' 
 `` If I go back, will everyone I know be dead?'' 
 `` They will be gone, yes.'' 
 `` What about my memories? That's all I have left of the life I lived.'' 
 I could tell that he was pondering something. 
 `` I'll make you a deal. You ca n't keep your memories all the time, but they will come back to you in dreams. In return, you must take a walk with me when we meet again'' 
 `` What happens then?'' 
 `` I show you the beauty beyond death, you will shadow me and take my place temporarily.'' 
 `` For how long?'' 
 `` Time is fluid remember? Someone will replace you eventually, when the time comes.'' 
 He turned to me, hope was lingering in his eyes. As we stood there underneath the edge of day and night, Death extended his hand, smiling. 
 `` Deal?'' 
 `` Deal.''
