THE MOMENT
"So much complaining..." Tempa whined. She sat in a diner booth across from her trainer, Miller. "...and the constant deal offers and game challenges." She rolled her red eyes and added a sigh. Miller could only smile; he'd tried to warn her.
"You're not still accepting them, are you?" Miller asked. Tempa did not have any talent or interest for games. She did not reap a single soul on her first day due to losing every game she was challenged to. She shook her head.
"No way," she said. "Once you said I didn't have to, I stopped. "but that just gives them more to complain about." Miller chuckled and nodded in understanding.
"When I was a Middleman, they just showed up in my office calm and ready to go. I thought it was a boring desk job," Tempa shook her head. "I guess I thought everyone got that peaceful at the time of death. I just wanted to travel more."
"Tried to tell you, kiddo," Miller replied. Tempa nodded, while wishing she listened.
"It's only been a week," Tempa said with a hopeful tone. "Any chance I can get my Middleman job back?" She was crushed when he shook his head.
"Your spot was filled as soon as you turned in the transfer. Tons of Reapers are just waiting to be Middlemen. I'm sure you can guess why." Tempa gave a slow, sad nod.
"You can't get your old job back, buuut...," Miller leaned across the table and dropped his voice to a whisper. "If you just want to be a Middleman again, there's a way."
"Yes!" Tempa nodded enthusiastically as she whispered. "How?"
"A woman named Dana Sharp started her own afterlife, I know someone that can get you in."
"I'll take it," Tempa grinned. Miller nodded.
"You didn't take my advice last time, but you need to take this bit as seriously as possible...." Miller said with a sudden solemn tone. Tempa leaned in eager to listen. He'd already proven to give good advice, Tempa would do her best to follow it this time.
"Whatever happens, never. I mean never ever ever sign anything Ms. Sharp gives you. No matter how innocent or appropriate it might be. Your soul is always on the line."