Episode 6: Take the Risk

My mouth was full as I devoured a huge sandwich at William's desk.

"Is it to your liking?" William asked as I took another bite.

"Yes," I said, wiping the white sauce from my lips.

"It's an avocado chicken sandwich with cilantro and non-fat mayonnaise. My late wife loved it too." He smiled, though there was a distant look in his eyes.

"You're not eating?" I asked, noticing his untouched plate.

"No, help yourself. Lately, I haven't had much of an appetite," he replied.

"You can't starve to death, you know," I said casually, licking a stray bit of sauce off my thumb. "That's not how you'll go, considering this is already extended time..."

William narrowed his eyes. "Extended time?"

I met his gaze. "Yes. Or perhaps you didn't realize. The night you first heard me say 'yes' that should have been your time."

His expression darkened with understanding. "Oh… I see. That explains a lot. No wonder I've been thinking about my late wife so much lately. I see her in everything."

"Your late wife… the one who swept you away, whose presence fueled your passion and obsession, that one that made you feel alive?" I asked, using the very words he once spoke.

He nodded. "Yes. The moment I saw her, I knew I couldn't live without her."

"But here you are," I said, tilting my head, "years and years after she's gone… towering an empire you build by your own hands, the prestige envied by many, the family you adore..."

Before he could respond, the intercom buzzed. His secretary's voice filtered through, informing him that she had scheduled his appointment as requested.

"Just stay here," he told me. "Finish the sandwiches, and I'll have Cynthia bring you a juice. I need to take care of something."

I glanced at the sandwich, then considered the promise of juice. "Fine," I agreed, knowing full well that William was headed to his physician for a checkup. Also knowing that his doctor would find him perfectly healthy. But Death sees what humans cannot.

It was nearly 5 PM when William returned. He stepped inside, his expression clouded with uncertainty.

"My doctor says I'm in perfect health," he announced. "Said I might live to be a hundred."

"Will, are you doubting again?" I asked, and as if on cue, he clutched his chest as pain surged through him.

"You left me here waiting for hours," I continued, sipping my juice through the straw. "Good thing the juice was tasty. I learned how to sip."

William gasped as the pain slowly subsided. He looked at me, fear flickering in his eyes.

"Do you still doubt?" I asked, watching him intently. "Do I need to explain every little detail of what's wrong? Why you are dying? It isn't as simple as saying your time is up. I thought you understood that by now."

His throat bobbed. "No… I get it now."

"Good," I said, smiling. "I'm not here to kill you, Will. It's the opposite. I am extending your stay. Keep me interested, and your time extends. Lose my interest… and, well…" I let the thought linger.

"I understand," he said, standing straighter, trying to mask his unease.

"Do not test me, I might lose my interest." I say.

"But… going home together? How am I supposed to explain your existence to my family? I doubt they'll be as welcoming as I am. Specially knowing you are... what you are"

"You can't tell anyone," I said firmly. "That would be a breach of our contract. You can keep a secret, right?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Of course, Then how do I introduce you?"

I smirked. "Me."

He rolled his eyes. "Not this again."

"Melissa Reaper," I offered. "A family friend."

He exhaled, rubbing his temple. "And I suppose this is non-negotiable?"

"As I said before, Will, I'm not asking. I'm telling you."

Williams remains silent afraid of triggering another spasm.

The ride back to his mansion took longer than expected. Rush hour traffic clogged the streets, and a recent accident had worsened the congestion.

The car was tinted, but I could still see it, a soul lingering at the scene of the crash.

"Someone died," I murmured under my breath.

William, seated beside me in the back of his Cadillac, glanced at me. "You can sense these things?"

I nodded.

"So, while you're here… who takes that soul? Another Death God?" he asked.

"Yes," I said simply. "Something like that…" I have no plans to explain to it him how this thing works, because no matter how much I explain it, there are things humans simply will not understand.

When we arrived at the store, William took charge, selecting clothes without hesitation. He held up various outfits against me, assessing the fit before adding them to the cart. The saleslady followed us closely, offering suggestions, though William hardly needed them.

When it came to lingerie, however, he merely gestured to the saleslady. "Assist her," he said briskly before stepping aside.

Once I had a full wardrobe, enough outfits to last an entire year. I couldn't help but smirk. William was certainly optimistic, already expecting to extend his time for an entire year.

Before leaving, he also insisted that I change into something more "decent."

I complied, slipping into a simple yet elegant blue dress. The fabric was soft and lightweight, flowing down to just above my knees. The square neckline framed my collarbones, while short sleeves gave it a casual yet refined touch. Comfortable and modest by William's standards, at least. His late wife loves dresses like this when she was young.

When we finally arrived at his home, we stepped through the grand entrance and into the dining area. The room was elegant, featuring a long mahogany table beneath a chandelier that bathed the space in a warm glow. Each place setting was meticulously arranged, the silverware gleaming under the soft light.

Seated at the table were William's youngest son, Wade with a beautiful young woman beside him, and Barry, William's older son , along with his wife.

They hadn't noticed us at first, too engrossed in their conversations. Wade was whispering something into the woman's ear, his lips brushing against her neck as he inhaled her scent. Meanwhile, Barry sat with his wife's hand in his, admiration evident in his gaze as he praised her recent achievements.

Only when William cleared his throat did they finally look up.

"Daddy!" The woman beside Wade stood up, walking over to greet William with a kiss on the cheek.

"Abby, you're here," William said, smiling at her.

Standing behind him, I observed silently as the family moment unfolded.

Abby's gaze shifted toward me. "You have a visitor?"

I stepped forward, finally coming into full view.

William hesitated. "Oh, yes… This is..."

"This is Melissa," he finally said.

The moment Wade's eyes landed on me; they widened in shock.

In recognition…

Not of me, but of this body now I inhibited...