I woke up out of my crazy daze in my bed, it was morning in South Carolina. I rushed down the stairs. Would Grandpa be there? Sure enough there he was. I hugged him quickly.
“What is the big greeting about?” he yawned. Did he remember? I knew he knew once he winked. Still confused by what happened, and in need of company, I ran to Marylyn’s. Sure enough, she opened the door. Another reunion with hugs and smiles. She hurried me to her room.
“What happened?” I asked, “Do you know?”
Marylyn answered quickly, “Everyone who died from Death’s history was changed, and they either died of old age, or they are still alive. The rest of the world doesn’t know though except us, and the souls.”
“How did you find this out?” I asked.
“Computer,” she answered, “I looked some of the soul's names to make sure they were ok. I wasn’t the only soul in Death’s body, and I know this is weird, but I made some friends. Patricia and Izach are hilarious! They both died of old age, so I figured their history was changed, just like me. Happy to be alive.”
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I chuckled, “I am happy you are alive too, Marylyn!”
“Oh,” Marylyn said sympathetically, “I am sorry I was so angry. I was just scared, and worried, but still, that is no reason to take that out on you. I love you, and I am so happy everything is ok.”
I smiled, “Me too, I am sorry I dragged you into this mess.”
We wrapped our arms around each other for a long time, and I wish it could have lasted longer, but I wanted to get back to the house to see Grandpa. Funny to think just a day ago I would have never thought I would see Grandpa or Marylyn ever again. Walking home I realized my life would never be the same, in obvious reasons like Grandpa returning and not having to worry about the piano anymore. But also, in other ways like I have more confidence now, and I like it. After yesterday I realized I was capable of doing things I had never believed I could, that some people thought were impossible, that others failed at, yet, I succeeded. This made me see that I could do anything I set my mind to. I had another realization (after getting so close to death and Death) what a blessing the world is. Like how beautiful it is, and how wonderful life is. Without it I wouldn’t have Grandpa or Marylyn; actually I wouldn’t be alive without my parents so without them I wouldn’t have me either. I told myself coming into this new beginning I would make every moment as precious as the last so I would die with a happy life behind me.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.
-Randall Duk Kim