Lullaby
Word count: 432

People said when Teddy Roosevelt died in his sleep that it was the only way he would go, else Death would get a fight.

Death must have agreed to the terms. No matter. But did Teddy fight? Hmm, I know the answer but I will only whisper it to you when you are safe in your bed

And any evening I choose

Are you awake?

Of course you are. Well, let us simply say that you are aware of me. That is good enough and all that really matters.

Whats that? Am I Death? What does it matter to you? Oh, I guess it matters a lot but would you rather I be a bullet, a car wreck, a plane crash, a fire? No this is what you want. This is what you want. This is what everyone wants and I find it charming.

Lullaby. Shall I sing? Go to sleep

No. Let us get on with this.

You are dying in your sleep. My voice may be real or may be just your brain misfiring, having its death throe. Try to move. Do you feel the pain in your chest, your brain? Oh, you cant move and here you are trying to scream.

Tell me

What is going through your mind right now? Are there children, perhaps down the hallway even? Is there a warm body slowly sleeping next to you that you cant rustle awake? Ha! Or are you sadly alone? Do you even know, now? I know at least like Teddy and everyone else there are deeds, ah yes, deeds undone. You thought you had more time. Tsk. Tsk. Yup, everyone always thinks they do.

You know it is believed that some welcome me. But no one really does no matter their situation.

Shall I console? Shall I, as your dying body doesnt move. Yet you thrash and thrash and thrash in a sack that can no longer budge.

Here is comfort: At least people will say that you went in your sleep! That is the way to go! Ha ha! They will say you look more peaceful; that you are at peace and there is no more pain and that you didnt suffer

But

You and I know different.

They will even say you are in a better place now

Is there?

That is for me to know and for you to soon find out. What do you believe? Whatever it is are you ready for it? Were you ready for this?

No. No. There is no bargaining.

Come along now.

Go to sleep Go to sleep Lullaby