VOID

Another day, another collection

There she was. She stood at the ATM queue whilst holding her daughter's hand. Both were smiling after an exchange of words.  It was always a pity seeing sights like this. To have to be the one to end such happiness always hurt me. Someone had to do this job though. For the greater good the mother had to be eliminated.

I sat at a café across the street watching the duo move up in the queue. Reaping was an act done in seclusion. To have this much people around would cause widespread panic. Three coffee's later and still they were in that long line. This painstakingly long wait made me anxious. Just how long does one take to use that damn machine? Worldly matters aside, I decide to review my case. Josephine Jones: Case 17756. A poor woman at wits end trying to look after her sole child. Her husband divorced her and ended up with everything. Being a woman with almost no qualifications,  securing a job has been a mission. As such she has resorted to theft to make ends meet. A guardian to her child yet a blight to the world. One that has to be removed. Finally Josephine made it to the end of the queue. I downed the last of my latte and prepared to leave.

"Will that be all sir?"

A waitress enquired with enthusiasm. Probably fake just to get a tip.

"Yes thank you."

I replied then got up from my seat.

"Well, please come again!"

"Yeah I will."

I lied. Each reaping took place in different regions. The chances of me revisiting would be slim. I left the cafe the exact moment Josephine finished her transaction. Sure, be the one to finish the quickest out of all those people. I beat that thought off though to focus on my job at hand. Now came the tricky part: finding the right place to reap her. Unfortunately the streets were bustling with people. The only option I had was to tail her. It was an easy task so long as I was discrete about it. To everyone else I look like your average pedestrian. This was critical for each reaper. Not blending in could cause you to fail in your task and lead to your license being revoked. The tailing went on for a bit. They stopped at an ice cream truck where they found a nearby bench to enjoy it. After that they made their way to a mall. Before they went shopping they made a quick detour to the restroom. Great, this was my chance. Before walking in I froze in place. Just waltzing in would make me look like a pervert. Making sure the coast was clear, I went in and came face to face with Josephine and her daughter. Her initial reaction was one of shock. Who could blame her. A man just suddenly entered the ladies room. She quickly brushed her expression off then made her way around me. Just as she did I extended my arm out to block her. Josephine now went from shocked to angry.

"Let me through or I'll scream for help."

"I'm afraid I can't have you do that."

Through her anger she managed to smile. Not from happiness but at my apparent 'cheekiness' I displayed.

"And why is that?"

"Cause I've come to collect your soul."

The daughter now shifted behind her mother. If only she wasn't there to experience this. There was no other place but to do it here. Josephine turned to her daughter and crouched to her level to embrace her

"It's okay sweetie. Everything will be okay."

With my arm still outstretched a sudden darkness enveloped it. This caught the daughter's eye who seemed stunned at the display before her. A reaction every other victim would give.

"M-mommy..."

She uttered, pointing towards my arm soon afterward. Her arm trembled just like the rest of her body did. This prompted Josephine to look my way and display the same expression as her child. The darkness evaporated and what was left behind was a scythe. Any doubts they had before were now dashed. A solemn smile broke through her anger which evaporated like it never existed.