THE MOMENT
Jamie couldn't have asked for a better death. He was an old man surrounded by three generations of family. It was meant to be a night of celebration for his great-grandson's first birthday; which, thankfully was not on the actual day. The family ordered a large banquet from what was considered the best Chinese restaurant in the area. Jamie was sitting in his recliner at peace with a large smile on his face when the food arrived. But, when his daughter went to inform him, she instantly burst into tears.
Jamie struggled to find out why for a few moments. But, as more and more family members began to sob, the reason struck him. No matter how he asked what was wrong, they all ignored him as if he wasn't even there. It wasn't until he stood up to demand some answers that he realized his body was still on the leather seat.
The old, dead man stood there for several seconds as he wondered what was supposed to happen next. It was nice to be able to see his family as he passed; but, all the tears were starting to make him feel a little guilty. He looked from face to face to remember each and every one; but, then he spotted someone unfamiliar.
A little girl stood at the entrance to the room with her arms crossed and a look of mild annoyance on her face as she stared right at Jamie. She looked about the same age as his youngest grandson, maybe 17 or 18; but, with his advanced years anyone under 30 was 'little'. She wore a red blazer with a golden nametag.
As he had the thought, she met his eyes and the crying around him stopped. The world was suddenly silent and he looked around to make sure they were still there. His family was still around but frozen in time somehow. It was the teardrops stuck in the air that tipped him off.
"Did you have to die right now?" The teen asked. "I'm working, and now you went and made it awkward."
"Who are you?" Jamie asked. He was already beyond what he knew; and, the biggest lesson he learned in his long life was how to adapt to new and unexpected situations.
"You can call me DeLorean," she said. "I work at Donna Chang's."
"How is it a delivery girl can see me?" he asked.
"I'm special," DeLorean smirked at him; but, after her snark, her shoulders seemed to relax and she dropped her arms. "Look, I'd rather get back to work than have to deal with this mess...," she gestured at his corpse on the chair. "So, I'll make you a deal," she said.
"Not without some answers first," Jamie shook his head. If these were going to be his last moments, he wasn't going to let anyone rush him. DeLorean giggled at him and shook her head.
"You're not really in a position to make any demands; but, sure," she nodded. "I'm not cold-hearted, just in a hurry. You get three questions." Jamie studied her for a moment, then agreed.
"There's more to you than just being 'special'," he said. "How is it you can see me? What are you?" he asked.
"That's two questions; even if it is the same answer," DeLorean replied. "I'm Unique Soul #14, La Muerte," she said. "That means a few things that aren't important right now. What matters is, I'm eligible to be the grim reaper if I wanted to. That means I can see you, and more specifically, that's also why you're still here," she added. She stopped there and it seemed almost deliberate. Jamie only had one question left; but, he decided to take the bait.
"What do you mean that's why I'm still here?" he asked. He didn't know what deal she was offering; but, he'd already decided to accept it. If nothing else, she seemed straightforward.
"I'm not the reaper assigned to you; but, I'm here so the universe just assumes I'm here to do their job. But, whenever an unexpected reaper claims you, it's a whole pile of paperwork that I really don't want to do," she said. "So, here's my deal. I put you back in your body and give you another day or two so you can die when I'm not around. Sounds good?" she asked.
"Yes!" Jamie agreed with enthusiasm. "Please! I'd love that," he said. He didn't know how it would work and he dashed to sit back down in his body again.
"Don't forget, it's a deal, I get something out of it too," she said.
"You get to leave...?" Jamie asked. He wasn't trying to argue; but, that was what he genuinely thought. DeLorean giggled and shook her head.
"I can do that anyway," she said. "It's more trouble for your actual reaper; but, I'm not necessarily against it," she shrugged.
"Oh," Jamie nodded. "Okay, sure. Whatever it is you want, name it!" he said.
"Now you're talking," She smiled at him.
Moments later Jamie's eyes shot wide open and he took in a deep breath to surprise his family.
"Dad!? OH GOD!" His daughter hugged him as the family crowded in closer.
"Wait wait wait...," Jamie fought them off with a weak voice.
"GIVE HIM ROOM!" his daughter helped while still holding his hand. "What is it Dad?" she asked once the family backed up. Everyone went silent as if they were time-stopped again; but, he could see them breathing and some of them still had tears flowing. Jamie grabbed his daughter's hand and looked into her eyes.
"Someone needs to pay the delivery girl," he said. "...give her a good tip."