Death by Coffee

So much for giving fate the slip. My horoscope told said today wasn’t my day. Stay home! The shadow of death is nearby. I don’t believe that hocus pocus crap. But when I walk into that coffee shop who do I find standing smack in the middle of the store? The Grim Reaper. My blood went cold. I stared in utter disbelief. Is this really how it was going to end for me? I just wanted to change up the routine a bit. Get my morning coffee somewhere besides Drunkin Donuts. Now I’m going to die. Am I the most unlucky person in the world or what? Or maybe there’s something to this whole fate thing? Maybe he’s here for someone else. I glance left then right. Nobody else seems to notice him they go about their business talking and chatting like he’s not even there. Then it dawned on me, he must be invisible to everyone but me! I watch him. He was very tall and dressed in a spotless dark cloak that seemed to be ruffling slightly though there was no breeze to speak of being inside and all. He wasn’t paying attention to me though. He was studying a long white scroll half unfurled in both hands. Head stooped down and eyebrows slightly knit he seemed completely absorbed in his examination. Maybe he hasn’t noticed me yet. I thought about sneaking out of the shop while he was still busy with his list. As if he heard what I was thinking his head snapped up and he looked right at me. There was something unworldly about those eyes, dashing and dangerous. I held my breath as he looked at me frowned, regarded his list then looked at me again. Then to my horror he rolled up the scroll tucked it into his left sleeve and started towards me. “Wait!” I tried to yell. But my throat was so tight and dry it came out as more of a squeak. He did stop though. “ I… I..” I stared I wanted to tell him all the reasons why I didn’t deserve to die. I was only twenty eight, I never had a chance to get married, I’m a big sister and an Aunty, I made straight A’s in school. Anything! But nothing was coming out. He was terrifying. He seemed even taller know that he was so close and looking down at me. His eyes seemed to crackle but his demeanor was cold. He looked like he was losing his patience. Why couldn’t I say anything? All that was going through my mind was all the bad things I’d done over the last few years. I stole some yoga pants from that store down the street. I cheated on my tax forms. I’d been lying to my boss for years about having a condition so he won’t question me when I call into work. But does that deserve the death penalty? “It’s not fair! I finally blurted out. There are people out there that have done way worse stuff than me! What does the universe have to gain by killing me anyway?! I’m sorry ok? I thought all that karma stuff was B.S. I didn’t know I was offending anybody. I just … just…” I felt tears stinging my eyes. My throat was too tight to say anymore. His expression never changed. He doesn’t care; he’s going to kill me anyway. I thought. He stared down at me never blinking. “What’s your name Ms.?” He asked. “It’s its Nancy Gracen I managed to choke knowing better than to add to my list of wrongs by lying.” “I came over because you were staring. Why would you think I’m going to kill you Nancy?” He asked. The guy was talking in 3rd person. It was super weird but no way was I going to commenting on that! “Aren’t you the reaper?” I whispered tentatively. “D-Reaper its one word. he corrected. "And no I’m not here to kill anyone." “Then why are you here?” I asked cautiously. D, order up! Called the man from the counter. The Reaper turned and reached the counter in three long strides. Thanks Mike he said smiling. He took the beverage and strolled back to me. “Like most people” he said,” I like to start my day with a cup of coffee.” he walked past me and opened the door. Nancy Gracen… he paused at the doorway. I’d skip Jenna’s party on Friday, he called over his shoulder. Unless you want me to pick you up Saturday night. He winked at me then he was out the door. I starred after him through the glass doors as he walked out of sight. Did the Grim Reaper just hit on me?