The Heart Trail

Death met Time in a meadow. The air swept by over the dew-filled grass. Sweet scents filled the air from the yellow and purple flowers that grew at their feet. Stars twinkled overhead. They danced in the inky blackness without a care for the world they illuminated below them. A shiver crept down Death's spine. The rattling of his bones sang in the pale light of the moon. His scythe drug behind him, creating cracks in the earth.

"Why have you called this meeting, brother?" Time asked. His voice was as rough as sand.

The wind whipped up his gray beard as he passed over the flowers. They stretched their heads towards him, some blooming before they should, just to catch a glimpse. His wrinkled, old face smiled at his brother, knowing all too well what his brother wanted.

"To discuss the nature of things," Death replied. His teeth chattered together as he spoke.

"They think that we are friends," Time started, slowly, "that I only exist to bring people to you." He glanced at the fireflies as they glowed bright greens and yellows. "But I would give them more days if only I could."

"You are not alone in that sentiment, brother." Death said. With a heavy sigh, he continued, "You are my master. I'll wait for you. If you stop, I am bound to you." The silence gnawed at old bones and flesh while they sat there. The fireflies put on a brilliant display. Their tempo kept in time with the wind. The flowers and grass repeatedly bowed, praising the two lords before them.

"I am so alone…" Death whispered, breaking the quiet tension between them. "Everyone runs from me… they are afraid of me and curse me when I come."

"I am more alone." Time replied, sadness stained his voice and fell from his lips. "Everything slips through my fingers in the end. I can't hold onto anything."

A shooting star streaked across the night sky, offering its magic to help. The brothers shared one pained glance. They wished the same at that exact moment.

"I want to stop…" they pleaded.

For just one night, Death and Time laid down their responsibilities.

They decided to throw a party for just one night. The people in a nearby town joined the two in the meadow for the festivities. They danced among the fireflies, feasted, and drank. The music was lively and spread warmth and joy. Everyone enjoyed the party with no fear of Time or Death.

The night went on and on, however. It never ended. The party grew wild and uncontrollable. Life was no longer critical without the two brothers. Nobody cherished anything, and the world became pointless. Some people cried out; others went insane. The once green and brilliant meadow turned gray and ashen, and the people soon joined them.

***

Silence stole the show, hushing everyone that was there. The musicians put down their instruments to rest their bloody fingers. The dancers lay on their backs, their mouths opened as they breathed in the ash, waiting for the new day they hoped would come.

"It seems as if they actually needed us all along…," said Death. His mouth was agape at the destruction they had created.

As the sun crept over the meadow, a smile crept across Death's face. His brother was not there. He had already gone back to work, and Death followed suit.