Death Knocks

As the sun set on the town of Weston, streetlights popped on while the towns’ folk began winding down for the evening. Not a single soul noticed when a stillness befell upon one of its neighborhoods. No one noticed the mysterious stranger walking towards one house in particular. Inside this cozy little house, Jay is stretched out across his couch, channel surfing and having no luck finding anything of interest to watch, when a sudden knock on his front door made him pause. A loud rap brought him to his feet. Expecting no company, he hesitantly, opened the door.

“Hello.” A pleasant young man stood. He wore a sleek black suit. His jet, black hair combed perfectly to the side complimented his onyx eyes - pitch black, but warm and inviting.

“Hey.” Jay responded.

“Are you Mr. James Littenpot?” The young man asked kindly.

“Yes, well… I go by Jay, but, yes, I’m James.”

“I have something to discuss with you, it is of great importance. May I enter your home?” The man asked with kindness on his face.

“Sure…come in.” Jay stood aside allowing the young man to enter.

“Please, sit Mr. - my apologies - Jay.” The gentleman held out his arm welcoming Jay to sit. “What I have to say is shocking.” The man smiled. “I think it’s best you are sitting down for this next part.”

Jay sat at the edge of his sofa, wondering why he was being compliant. Bewildered more than worried, he waited for the young man to continue. “I’m listening.” Jay prodded.

“I am here,” The man, keeping both arms at waist level, spread his arms out slightly, palms up, gave a slight bow, "to collect your soul." The man lowered his arms. “Now, I know this may come as shocking news. I say this with no joy,” the man shook his head slightly, "your time has come to an end. My job is to ensure your journey is smooth."

“Whha…?” Jay gasped.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve introduced myself. I keep forgetting to do that part. My name is Sylvester, Fifth Order of Soul Collector’s, at your service.” Sylvester paused. Jay continued to stare in silence. “We are often referred to as Death, but Death implies there is only one Collector trying to take care of an entire world, alone… the thought is…humorous.” Sylvester chuckled. “There are many of us. I just recently earned my sickle. I would have brought it with me, but it’s quite heavy and honestly, mostly for show. We are each granted our own, we don’t bother with them anymore.” Sylvester chuckled again. “We don’t need them. Oh, I apologize for my rambling, today is my second day on the job and I am a bit nervous.” Sylvester offered a comforting smile. “I know… I know,” Sylvester walked to where Jay sat frozen on the couch, he leaned over placing his hand gently upon Jay’s shoulder, "it’s a lot to take in." Jay recoiled from Sylvester’s touch. “Oh Gosh.” Sylvester said, straightening himself and taking a few steps back to give Jay space. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“Um…” Jay cleared his throat.” I, well, I guess…it’s all a bit sudden, isn’t it? I’m not sick at all…wait...is something going to crash through my roof and crush me?” Jay hunched instinctively, throwing his hands up around his head.

“No.” Sylvester answered.

“Lightning strike through the window?” Jay asked, leaning back, out of view of the side window.

“Oh goodness, no.” Sylvester responded. “Wait. Did you say you’re not sick?”

“No.” Jay said. “I feel fine, great, I mean, healthy.” Jay scrambled for words.

“Oh dear. You are James Tadeus Littenpot?” Sylvester asked holding a bright white ticket up to Jay’s face. Jay squinted from the dazzling glow of the ticket. He barely made out the name scrawled out in curvy letters. JAMES TADEUS LITTENPOT

“No! No! I’m James Thadeus Littenpot! Thadeus! Thadeus! With an H!”.

“Oh dear…dear…dear…dear…this is embarrassing. I am so, so sorry Jay.” Sylvester paced back and forth. “I believe I’ve made a very big mistake. You are not the person I am to see. I’m going to hear about this forever, I mean that literally. I can’t believe this.” Sylvester sighed and sat next to Jay. “This is awkward.”

A minute of silence passed.

“I’m going to just throw this out there.” Jay said, turning to look at Sylvester. “Maybe you should check identification first, you know, just until you get the hang of things.”

” I’m going to be forced to take tracking and identifying class…again. I’d like to visit more, but I have a job to complete.” Sylvester stood. “It was a pleasure to meet you Jay, I hope I draw your name again, when it’s really the right time for you.” Sylvester smiled.

“Sure.” Jay half smiled in return.

Sylvester smoothed out his suit, released a deep sigh and walked towards the front door.

“Have a nice evening, Jay. I will let myself out.”

No one knows how long it took for Jay to get off the couch that night. What is known, not too long after Sylvester left Jay’s home, sirens blared in the distance.