Young Life and Old Death

For may centuries there lived two powerful beings called Life and Death. Death was an elder being, a man dressed in black robes with a pale skull-like face, a face which humans believe to be the grim reaper. Life was a little golden girl, whom humans call an angel. But they were far more different than what the humans think.

Little Life pulls Death’s robes and smiled, “Hi, Death! Why do humans despise you? It’s not fair.”

“Fair means nothing to the humans,” replied Death, “But I do not mind.”

“But that’s mean! I wanted the humans to grow wise, not dumb!” said Little Life.

“They do not understand like you and I,” said Death. “Even after you’ve blessed them.”

“But they curse at me . . .” said Little Life as she sniffles softly. “Everybody hates me now, more than you. I don’t want people to hate me. What did I do wrong, Death?”

“Nothing, sweet child,” said Death as he smiles at Life. “You’ve done nothing wrong. Now won’t you smile for me?”

Little Life was still not convinved, but she smiles at Death anyways. Years have passed as Death meets Life again, but Life has grown into a young teen, as she watches infants being born. “Aw!!! Look, Death! Aren’t they so cute! They’re going to grow up into wonderful humans!”

”. . . .” Death watches, but he did not smile. “Some mothers die after giving birth. Some parents abandon their children. Some raise them cruelly. Some kill them. But even if the child lives he or she will grow up to become to a horrible monster still.”

“I’m sorry, Death,” said Young Life. “I know you have to take them away, but not all end up bad. Some start off bad, but then they learn and become good. That’s what I love about them.”

Death looks at Life with a blank expression and nodded, “Of course, you would love them. Even if they despise you?”

“Even if they scorn and curse my name I will always grace them with my love,” smiled Life. “Even if they are not grateful.”

Death saw sadness in Life, but he did not say a word. It was natural to love and hate in Life, just as you love and hate in Death. Another decade has passed while Young Life grows again into Lady Life. Death meets her again as they watch sick children live in the hospitals. Lady Life comforts a weeping child as she calls Fate to bring good news to the child’s family. Death watches another child, who was growing weaker and weaker, while the father cries. Lady Life joins Death and express sorrow. “Must you take this child away?”

“It is Fate’s orders,” said Death.

Lady Life saddens as she looks at the child and the father. She asked, “Do me a favor. Take the child to his mother for me.”

“Of course,” reply Death. “This father will hate you, you know?”

“I know,” smiled Lady Life sadly. “But I don’t mind.”

Death watches Life smile, but then he turns away and returns to work. Years and years have passed as Lady Life grows and becomes Elder Life, who rests near a hundred year old tree. Elder Life was a faint gold and grew long white hair while smiling happily at the world around her. Death meets her again as he kneels beside her.

She smiles at Death. “Greetings, old friend. Have you come to pick me up?”

“I have as always,” said Death. “Tell me, how has it been for you?”

“It was tough, and fun. Sad, but great. Painful, yet satisfying,” answered Elder Life. “And you?”

“Oh, just the usual,” said Death. “How strange. Death never ages and yet Life does. Isn’t that unfair?”

“I am never fair,” teased Elder Life with a chuckle. “I must meet my end just like my gifts. Promise me you’ll keep me safe.”

“I promise, old friend,” said Death as he watches Life fade away. Life always ends, and Death always cries. Death has taken his old friend once again and sobs for her while flowers bloom around him and the tree. The next day, Death visits the tree, along with Fate, Time, and many others, as they gather to meet New Life. A golden baby girl is born as she cries so innocently. Death approaches the New Life and holds her in his arms. “Hello, little one. Many people love you, even in the future, so won’t you smile for me?”

New Life smiles and giggles while Death smiles back with tears in his eyes just like their friends. Life isn’t immortal. She is just like her creations. Yet she was always smiling.

“I will always love you.”