Short Stories

Old Friend

I always feel a bit sad working with terminal patients. I mean, they're going to die soon. But, I'm a nurse, so I make them as comfortable as I can, and make sure that they don't die alone. Most of them are scared the first time they hear that they're terminal, understandably so, but when the time actually comes for them to die they usually have an aura of peace around them. They know what's going to happen, they know they're dying, and they know I can't do anything.

Yes, I've had some patients that yell at me, beg me to "do something, anything, please don't let me die!" Those cases break my heart, knowing my patient lived their last moments in fear. But most of them just squeeze my hand one last time and smile, then we hear the last long beep of the heart monitor, if they're hooked up to it, and they're gone. Peacefully, like the wind.

I'm working with one of my terminal patients. I'm just heading out of their room after getting vitals when I see someone I don't recognize. They're dressed in a robe of mixed black and white, like they hopped out of an old-timey picture. They feel extremely powerful, I don't think I've ever met anyone like them. If I didn't know better I'd question if they were human or not.

"Sorry, family only." I say, giving the person a small, apologetic, smile.

They give me a weird look, we're the only ones if the hallway so I just smile back a bit confused.

"You can see me?" They ask, their voice is quiet and surprises me a bit considering the air of authority around them. That's when they summon a scythe from thin air.

Oh.

"Fuuuck." I whisper softly. We're not technically supposed to swear but I think considering I just told Death that they couldn't claim a soul gives me a bit of leeway.

I quickly motion for them to come into the room. They follow me and I close the door behind us. I turn to my patient who's watching us with a soft smile on her face.

I smile back at her and say, "Sorry I'm back so quickly, but I have someone who wants to meet you."

"Of course, come sit." My patient says, patting the side if her bed.

I sit in the chair beside her bed and Death sits on the edge of her bed.

"You know who I am don't you?" Death questions.

"Yes, all I ask is that you take me painlessly." She requests.

Death smiles back at her. "I have no intention of making it any more painful than it needs to be." They place a hand on her forehead and she closes her eyes. She squeezes my hand, and just like that, her spirit is gone.

Death stand up and turns to me. They bow their head and I do the same. No more words are exchanged as they exit the room. I wait a moment then follow them out. They're no where to be seen. I go to the nurses desk and let them know that my patient has passed. The nurse there gives my hand a squeeze and says he'll get in touch with the right people.

I continued to work with terminal patients and a little more than half the time I see Death entering their rooms. We speak no more words to each other, but I always bow my head in a silent ask to please take my patients painlessly. Only twice have I not received a nod in return. It's those times that I know I don't know as much as Death does about their path.

Death watches over us as a friend. They are generally the most peaceful person I have ever come across; it takes a lot to make them think you do not deserve to leave our world painlessly. Death is inevitable and now as I'm nearing my end I keep looking around corners and waiting for my old friend to return. They're waiting outside my room now. Allowing me to finish this writing before taking me to wherever they take spirits. I'm glad to know I'll be leaving this world with my friend by my side. Goodbye.