Death's Song

Death Is In My Bedroom

I could tell he was here before I even opened my eyes. His presence was ominous, that and I could hear him swearing at my cat. I stretched, sitting up slowly. The faint light of first dawn was pushing through the clouds into my tiny room. I pulled on a jacket on over my bare shoulders and tank top. My hair was disheveled. Not seeing a hairbrush anywhere, I headed into the other room, knowing he would have a sarcastic comment on whatever I looked like.
I saw him before he saw me. He was leaning back on my sofa, his feet on the coffee table. One hand absently stroking my cat, the other twirling a knife between his long fingers.
"What", I start, "Are you doing in my house? Again."
"Hello, Angel of my Nightmare."
"Shut up."
"Im not stalking you. By the way you are out of milk", he stood up, trying to brush Kian's pale orange fur off his black jeans. Yeah, good luck with that, I mocked in my head.
"I think your cat likes me."
"I always knew he was a terrible judge of character."
"You know", he continues, "I made you breakfast. And all I wanted was a thank you. Not all this 'how did you get in my house' business."
I roll my eyes, "I know how you got in the house. I gave you a key. I want to know what you are doing here."
"I told you", he sounds exasperated, "I made you breakfast. Well bought it. Actually I stole it". He tossed an apple at me, and my fingers grasped the dark red skin.
"I couldn't make something because you have no milk. And Im broke. And when did you start wearing leather?"
"I thought my life would suddenly improve if I bought a leather jacket. And I was one hundred percent right".
"That makes no sense".
"Im only responsible for what I say. Not what you understand".
He smiles.
I stick my tongue out at him.
"Very mature Arlin. You know, you could at least try to act your age".
"How am I supposed to act my age? Ive never been this age before," I regret the words as soon as I say them, seeing his face turn ashen.
"Death, I didn't mean it like that".
"I know. Ive been this age along time. I'm used to it".
"What do you want Death?"
"I want to understand you. I want to about what you are. What you have become. Most people like you die. But you, you're alive."
"Go to Hell."
"I already know Im going to Hell. At this point it is really go big or go home."
"Then go home".
He sighs, "Arlin. Make up your mind. Do you want me to go to Hell. Or to go home".
"Right now I just want you to go".
"You'd come with me if not for him."
"Go. Now. Before I kill you."
He bows, low to the floor. His bottle green eyes looking into my own,
"Of course. I shall take my leave. I have minds to twist and values to warp. If you need me", he paused standing up, "You know how to find me." He began to move, but not before turning back to face me. "And Darling," he pauses, "Im already dead".