Dying World

Death comes to everyone. She doesn’t want to die yet. But nature dictated otherwise. Six more months to live. This wasn’t good enough. There was so much that she cared about. What would happen to her children? What about the family business? Would her future generations be secure? She had to know.

A knock came on her bedroom door.

“Come in,” she said. She turned her head as the door opened. A young man about twenty years old walked into the room. She threw her head back onto the pillow.

“They sent me a kid?” she asked. “I can’t believe this.”

“I can assure that I am just as good as my mistress was,” he said. “You will be in good hands.” The rich woman sighed.

“Fine,” she said. “Just do it.”

“Very well,” the young man said. “Tell me what you desire.” She closed her eyes.

“Will my family and business survive after I am gone?” she asked. “Please tell me the truth. All of it.” The young man closed his eyes. She peeked at him through one eye. The young man’s body started to sway back and forth. His mouth was slightly open. Was he humming? She was tempted to call out, but her chest ached. She could barely move either.

Suddenly, the young man came back. He gasped aloud.

“What did you see?” she asked.

“A full table,” he said. “All of your children and grandchildren are there.”

“How many?” she asked.

“Eighteen,” the young man said. She managed to cover her mouth with shock.

“Wow,” she said.

“The youngest will not make it however,” he added. “He will be gone before he is twenty.” Her heart sank. She feared this for her baby, Robby. He always lived too close to the edge. Even in death her words wouldn’t reach him.

“Is there anyway to stop him?” she asked.

“I’m so sorry,” the young man said. Tears welled up in her eyes.

“His bloodline will go on for generations and be successful,” he said. “Same with your daughter’s bloodline.” She tried to keep down her joy.

“What about the business?” she asked. “Will it be okay?” The young man gave her a kind smile.

“It won’t be the same, but yes,” he said. “It will go on for decades.” She closed her eyes and smiled.

“And you mean it?” she asked. “All of it.”

“Yes,” the young man said. She closed her eyes.

“Thank you,” she said. Her lips slowly curved into a smile as she went to sleep.

“I will see myself out,” he whispered. The young man turned and saw himself out. She could now die in relief with the knowledge that her family and business was going to be fine.