42

The soul stood in the middle of a vast, elegant room — one that wasn't entirely real. Soft sunlight filtered through grand windows, casting warm patterns on the floor. The furniture was perfectly placed, the colors blended in comforting harmony, and every detail, from the smallest vase to the grandest chandelier, felt purposeful. It wasn't a memory of one specific place, but a collection of all the spaces they had ever brought to life.

The Angel of Death appeared nearby, observing the room with quiet admiration.

"You built more than beautiful spaces," the Angel said softly. "You built comfort. Safety. Dreams made tangible."

The soul's voice was quiet, tinged with lingering doubt. "I always wondered if it mattered. It's just furniture, paint, and light, right? Just rooms."

The Angel stepped closer, their voice calm and steady. "It was never just rooms. It was the warmth of a new home where a family felt safe. It was the café where strangers became friends. The office where someone found the courage to pursue their dream job. The cozy bedroom where a child felt safe from the dark."

The soul looked around the imagined room, seeing it now with fresh eyes. "I always wanted people to feel… happy. Like they belonged in the spaces I created. But no one ever really said anything after the work was done. They thanked me, sure, but then they moved on."

The Angel smiled gently. "That's the thing about creating comfort — people only notice when it's missing. When they didn't notice, it meant you succeeded. They didn't see the design; they felt it. That feeling — peace, warmth, inspiration — that's what stayed with them."

The soul's voice wavered. "I guess… I never thought of it that way."

The Angel nodded. "Your work wasn't about the walls or the furniture. It was about giving people a space where they could laugh, cry, grow, and live. And that's worth more than any praise."

The soul looked around one last time, seeing not just the room, but the countless homes, businesses, and sanctuaries they had brought to life. Each one held echoes of laughter, love, and quiet moments of peace.

"I think… I'm ready," the soul said softly.

The Angel extended a hand. "Let's go."

As they stepped into the light, the room slowly faded. But somewhere, a child curled up in their favorite reading nook felt safe. A lonely artist found inspiration in a sunlit corner. A couple danced in their living room, wrapped in the warmth of a space that felt like home.

And though no one knew the designer's name, the feeling they created endured — timeless and unforgettable.