Ellie

“Mom, can we go now?”

“Ellie, honey, hush.”

Ellie looked down at her dress, smoothing out the wrinkles with her fingers. She had never been to a funeral, but decided she hated them. Especially for people she didn’t even know. Her father had dragged them along, apparently he knew this guy from college. Absently, Ellie looked around the room. There was no one there her age, and even less people she could recognize. Her father stood off to the side with a small group of men, each one’s faces drawn tight.

The parlor was nice. clean and crisp, with a strong sense of elegance. Dark colors and complicated designs complimented cherry wood finishes. At the far end was the open casket, currently crowded with friends and family. Ellie spotted the widow among the group. Still young and very pretty. Tears had ruined her make up, but she was no longer crying. Now she stared off into space, as others around her tried to comfort her. Something about the sight made Ellie uncomfortable.

“Mom, I have to use the bathroom.” She said. Her mother looked over for just a moment.

“Its around the corner and just down the hall. On the right.” Then she turned back to her conversation. Ellie left without another word. Quickly she ventured another glance at her father. He had not moved, still standing in the same small, grim circle. She hurried her pace.

The bathroom was just as immaculate as the rest of the building. Ellie washed her hands and looked at herself in the mirror. A Few hairs had fallen out of place, but she managed to remedy that. A part of her felt very good about the way she looked, and she reached for her phone to take a picture. But then she remembered where she was, and felt it would be inappropriate. Turning away, Ellie left the bathroom and headed back to the parlor slowly.
She dreaded returning to that room.

Just outside the doorway sat a man Ellie had not seen before. Short blonde hair and clear blue eyes with sharp, angular features. He wore all black; shoes, pants, vest, shirt and tie. No jacket however, as that was draped over the chair he was sitting in. His legs were crossed, and in his hands was a small book. Ellie almost tripped over her feet, catching herself and praying he didn’t hear her. He was certainly too old, but it didn’t make him any less attractive. There was something about him that drew her in.

Stopping next to him, she folded her hands in front of her. Moments later he looked up, his face blank.

“Hi there.” She said, smiling. He did not respond, only looking back down at his book and continuing to write. Ellie took a seat next to him. “My name is Ellie.” She said. When he ignored her, she went on. “What’s your name?”

“I am called many things.” He said in a level tone.

“What can I call you then?” She asked. He stopped writing, looking over at her.

“You can call me Michael.”

“Do you work for the funeral home, Michael?” Ellie asked. She had seen a few other grim men around, coordinating the service and setting up chairs and other such things.

“I work for a higher power.” He responded, simply.

“What do you mean?”

“I am an Angel of Death.” Michael’s tone was serious, and he looked into her
eyes as he said this. Ellie started for a moment, before letting out a short, stifled laugh. The man only grew more annoyed when he realized the announcement did not have quite the effect he had hoped for.

“Prove it.” She said, crossing her arms.

“I do not have to prove myself to a little girl. I am a Divine Architect from the heavens.”

“Or you’re a liar.” Ellie said.

“What do you want?” He asked, sighing audibly.

“Tell me who’s going to die next.”

“Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes.” Ellie smiled. She knew this man was a lunatic. He stared her down for a moment more, before opening his little book and began searching. Seconds later he froze. In one swift motion, he closed the book and stood, grabbing his jacket. Then he turned and headed for the door.

“Hey wait!” Ellie stood, chasing after him. “You never told me.” She reached out for his arm, but he shook her off. They passed through the doors and out into the rain. A downpour had started while they were inside, and silently Ellie cursed the man. Then she grabbed his shirt and pulled roughly. “Hey!” she yelled.

Michael spun around swiftly, Ellie had to stumble back and almost fell. She met his cold stare, unsure of what to do now. Then his features softened, and he spoke.

“Spend more time with your parents, while you have the chance.” He said quietly.

“What, you mean both of them?” Ellie asked, dumbfounded. Michael said nothing. Instead, He threw his jacket over his shoulders, and turned away again. Ellie could only stare at his back as he walked away.

“Hey! Screw you man!” She shouted, her voice cracking. “You’re an asshole!” His figure retreated around a corner down the block, leaving her in the cold. Wrapping her arms around herself, she quickly began to shiver. There was no way this guy could have been telling the truth. No, he had to have been trying to scare her. Neither of her parents were that old, or sickly. Suddenly a coat was draped around her, and her father's voice rang in her ear.

“Elizabeth, what are you doing out here? You had your mother worried sick.”
She turned quickly, startled, to look at him. Then she looked at the ground.

“I just wanted some air.”

“In the rain?” He asked, but didn’t leave her time to answer. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her and propelled her back towards the door.

“Come on, let’s go get your mother. Then we’ll head home.” Ellie took one last look down the street, where the man had gone. Then she followed her father inside.

The ride home was silent. Once they arrived, Ellie went straight to her room without saying a word to either of her parents. They didn’t object. She flung herself onto the bed, burying her face into the pillows. The weight of the man's words crushed her into the frilly bedspread, and she cried. Thankfully no one heard her, and eventually she fell asleep.

Hours later, she awoke with chills. The dampness of her dress had spread to her blankets. Quickly she stood and shed the wet clothes, changing into warmer sweats and a hoodie. Then, she went back to her bed and picked up her laptop from the floor. Almost automatically, she opened it and started to check her favorite websites. She was just going through the motions, not really paying attention to what was in front of her. A small chat bubble appeared from her friend Samantha. She opened it, hoping some conversation would help her to feel normal.

The nice thing about talking to Sam was that it requires little effort. Without any encouragement, she would gush on and on about absolutely nothing. Ellie could drift in and out on the conversation, without missing a beat.

Message after message flooded in. Minutes in, Ellie stopped trying to keep up, instead skimming for important details. The latest development had been her invitation to the senior ball. Sam went on for almost a whole page about how she was going to be the only freshman there, and how everyone was going to be jealous. She didn’t know what to wear, or how to do her hair.

Finally she relented, asking Ellie what she thought. To which she replied she didn’t know, it was something Sam needed to coordinate with her date. With that, the text once again began to pour in.

Another couple of minutes passed, and suddenly Ellie realized she really didn’t care. She closed her computer, and set it gently on the floor without even saying good bye.

There was a light knock at the door, before it opened and Ellie's mother peeked in.

“oh, You’re awake.” She stepped inside, closing the door slightly behind her. “Are you hungry? I managed to save you a few slices of pizza.”

“No thank you.” Ellie rubbed her eyes, wondering how long she had been out.

“I can whip you up something else if you want?” Ellie shook her head. Her mother crossed the room and took a seat next to her. “Are you alright honey?”

“I’m fine mom.” Ellie looked at the ground. She didn’t want to tell her mother about the man she had met. It felt like talking about it made it more real.

“You know, I told your father the whole thing would upset you. He didn’t have to make you go.” Her mother wrapped her arms around Ellie. She was okay with letting her mother think the services had affected her

“We’re going to watch a movie. Do you want to watch it with us?” Her mother looked down at her.

“What kind of movie?” Ellie looked up. Her mother rolled her eyes.

“Some kind of comedy that your father picked out. “

Ellie made a face. “It’s not going to be full of fart jokes, is it?”

“Who knows.” Her mother stood. “Are you coming?”

Ellie thought for a moment, before she stood. “Sure.”

The two of them went downstairs to find her father waiting on the couch, already half-way through a bowl of popcorn.

“It is about time. I almost sent out a search party.” He reached for the remote. Ellie went and sat next to him on the couch, tucking her feet under herself and putting her hands in her pockets. Once starting the movie, her father draped his arm around Her, and she leaned into it. Under normal circumstances, she would sit at the opposite end of the couch, glued to her phone. Tonight, however, this was exactly where she wanted to be.

“Jesus you’re cold. You feeling alright?” He asked her.

“Just a little chilly.” Ellie snuggled up close to him, But it didn’t seem to help.

“Karen, could you toss us that blanket over there?” Ellie's mother brought one over, draping it over the two of them. Then she leaned down and felt Ellie's forehead.

“I hope you’re not getting sick.”

“I told you, i’m fine. it’s just cold in here. Because somebody doesn’t turn the heat on. Ever.” She gave her father a glare, which he remained oblivious to.

“I’ll start turning the heat on when someone else starts chipping in.” He turned off the lamp. “Now, no talking in the theater.”

Ellie felt herself smile.

The movie was a dud. It was funnier to watch her fathers reactions than the actually movie itself. Sitting up and stretching, Ellie realized this was the first movie she had watched all the way through in a long time.

“I can’t believe you made us watch that.” Ellie stood, turning to her father.

“I thought it was funny.” Her father said. She looked at her mother, who only shook her head.

“You should make it up to us. For choosing such a shitty movie.” Ellie smiled, putting her hands on her hips.

“Language.” Her mother chipped in.

“What does her highness demand?” Her father sat up

“Ice cream.”

“Yea, but I don’t want to drive.” He sat back on the couch.

“I’ll drive.” Ellie Offered.

“No.” Her mother stood. “Ill drive I guess. But you’re paying.” She pointed at him.

In response, her father stood as well, turning the pockets of his pajamas inside out. “I don’t have any money, Honey.” Then he smiled, and started walking towards the door. “Let’s go. I want sprinkles.”

Ellie giggled as her mother sighed deeply. She followed her father out to the jeep. Minutes later, her mother came out, giving her father a cold glare. He ignored it. The drive was a quick one. There was almost no one out at this time of night, and Ellie was surprised the place was even still open. Ellie opted instead for a shake, while her father got a large dish, with extra sprinkles. Her mother decided against getting anything, saying she didn’t want to spend all her money in one place. Again, her father ignored the comment, winking at Ellie.

“Let’s hurry up and get home. I think it’s going to rain again.” Her mother pointed towards the sky. There was no stars out, hidden by the clouds that had begun to roll in. Ellie and her father disposed of their garbage, and climbed into the jeep. Only minutes later, the sky opened up and it started to downpour.

“Turn on the radio.” Ellie asked, but then reached forward and did it herself. Her mother made a sound of irritation.

“Elizabeth, put on your seat belt.” She ordered. The light turned green, and she started moving again. Ellie stuck out her tongue, then reached for the belt.

Suddenly headlights blinded them, and in the next instant their vehicle was struck from the left. It rolled several times, slamming Ellie around the back seat, until they finally skid to a halt, upside down.
Slowly Ellie opened her eyes. The metallic smell of blood permeated the air. Her head was sticky and wet with it. Every part of her body ached, but she could still feel everything. Slowly she turned her head to see the front seat.
“Mom? Dad?” Ellie managed weakly, but they did not respond. Each one still in their seats. She reached for them, but her fingertips only brushed the head rest.

She could not hear them breathing. Slowly, Ellie dragged herself out the window. The rain was still coming down, pooling on the road. Ellie pushed herself to her feet, but her legs gave out. She cried out, falling flat. Tears streamed down her face as she curled into the fetal position.Minutes passed and it felt like hours.

Again, Ellie opened her eyes, and tried to get to her feet. Shakily she stood, and looked for the other car. It’s hood was crushed in, both headlights smashed and out. Smoke poured from the engine. It was too dark to see the driver. Suddenly Ellie realized there was no lights around, leaving the whole accident in the dark.

Ellie looked back towards her parent’s car. She had to figure out how to get them out. There was a sound from behind her, and Ellie spun around. Off in the distance, a rather tall figure stood. Even through the dark, ellie could recognize him. She took a few steps closer, new tears rolling down her cheeks.

“No. You can't.” She started. He came closer. Ellie could see he was still wearing the same suit as before. His face was grim, and his eyes seemed dull.

“You can’t take them!” Ellie shouted, stopping in front of him. She was shivering, and it made her whole body shake. There were a few sounds emanating from the car behind her, followed by an audible thud. Her father grunted. But Ellie couldn’t take her eyes off the man. He said nothing, only looking passed her.

“Ellie?” Her father said, then coughed. Before she could respond, the man looked down at her.

“I’m not here for them.” He pointed over her shoulder. Ellie turned around, in time to see her father pull a body from the back seat. Her blood ran cold.

“Dad?” She said quietly, but he couldn’t hear her. Suddenly Ellie felt a jacket drape over her shoulders.

“We should go.” Michael said from behind her. Ellie didn’t respond. She watched her father frantically shake it. He was shouting, but the words meant nothing. Finally, she saw him gently pick it up, holding it close to his body as he wept. Minutes later, paramedics had arrived. They rushed to the car, pushing her farther away. He took a few steps back, then fell. He buried his face in his hands.

“But, what if they can bring me back?” Ellie asked. She turned slightly. Michael only shook his head.

He put a hand on her shoulder. “This isn’t something you should see.” But Ellie shook her head. They stayed. She watched as her body was put into the ambulance. As her mother shrieked and screamed, before finally succumbing to quiet sobs. As they too left.

Ellie and the man were left alone. Some time later, they too left.