THE MOMENT
"Thanks for listening, old timer," Joe chuckled as he stood from the bar stool. The ancient, wrinkled man sat next to him earlier in the evening, and he seemed almost aware of just how much Joe had on his mind. He made polite conversation with all the right questions and Joe found himself spilling his doubts and insecurities about life. He especially focused on the unhappiness surrounding his job while the old man continued to smile with open ears. Of course, Joe was as vague as possible, there were details about his job that couldn't be revealed; but, some complaints were universal regardless of industry. Joe was overworked, plain and simple. The stranger helped him see that and suggested a vacation.
"Maybe I'll see you around again...," he grinned as he patted the old man on the shoulder. "...if Death doesn't get you first!" he laughed harder. It was a combination of the alcohol and a running gag, he'd been making remarks about the man's age since they met.
"I'll keep an eye out for you," the old man extended his hand. They'd begun a conversation without any sort of introduction. "You can call me Tim," he said.
"I'm Joe," he shook hands, then waved as he turned to leave the bar. "Take care, Tim. Enjoy your last few days; you never know when they'll end!"
"I'll work on that," Tim chuckled politely and raised a beer at Joe as he walked out. Then, he resumed drinking quietly.
24 hours later, Tim was once again nursing a beer on the same bar stool. The rest of the bar was notably emptier than the previous night; but, it was understandable. At some point, someone realized fatal wounds weren't, and the news spread quickly. People stopped dying. Tim was alone with the bartender until Joe walked in.
"Looks like you're surviving another day, huh?" Joe walked up and greeted Tim with a smile.
"At least," Tim grinned and nodded as Joe sat next to him. "How's your day off?" Tim asked.
"A God-send, really," Joe answered with a nod. "What about you? You look like you haven't moved since last night. You know what's going on out there, right?"
"I've heard," Tim nodded, then gestured at the green-haired bartender. "Mundo and I are enjoying the quiet."
"It is nice...," Joe nodded as he gave a glance around the empty bar. He felt like he wanted to open up more to Tim, and maybe even talk about his work, as long as there were no eavesdroppers.
"You know, I'm thinking this is a good time for a little nap," Mundo, the bartender, said. "you two behave, and keep track of what you drink," Joe couldn't have planned it better as Mundo made his way to the back. It was like he read Joe's mind and gave them space to talk privately.
"Boy, it's some coincidence...," Joe started the conversation and Tim turned to listen.
"What's that?"
"Seems like Death took a day off the same day I did...," he answered. Tim shrugged.
"I'm sure a lot of people were off today," he replied. Joe couldn't explain it; but, something about Tim's easy-going nature made it easy to be honest. He'd always wanted to tell someone what he did, but it was always a risk. Tim looked like he could keep a secret; and, whenever things went back to normal, he wouldn't live long anyway.
"Yeah, but I mean... it's a little bit extra coincidental for me...," Joe said. But, he stopped there as someone walked into the bar. Both Tim and Joe turned to see a handsome gentleman in a blue suit with a reflective chrome tie approaching them. But, he seemed to change his mind along the way. Joe blinked, and before he knew it the stranger was heading out the door again.
"Wonder what that was about...," he commented.
"Poor guy was in a rush, I guess..," Tim shrugged. "But, it's a good reminder that I should probably get back to work too...," he added.
"Oh, you're leaving..?" Joe asked. He didn't intend to sound insecure; but, he was wide open at the moment. He was about to reveal his identity, and he didn't know what he'd do if Tim left.
"I can still hang around for a few minutes. You got something on your mind?" Tim asked. Joe had already built up the courage, and he wasn't going to let it be for nothing.
"I was just saying...," he picked up the train of thought again. "...it's weirdly coincidental that Death took a day off when I did...," he said.
"What makes you say that?" Tim asked.
"Well...," he chuckled out of nervousness. "...I am death...," he said. "... to some. Don't panic, I won't hurt you, I'm just.... I never get to tell anyone. I'm an assassin," he said.
"You don't say...," Tim laughed. "You would've had a heck of a time working today of all days," he added with a broad smile.
"I know! I'm glad I took time off, thanks to you...," he said. Joe was relieved that Tim didn't seem to be scared of him.
"Well, I'm glad you got to enjoy your last day; I'm sorry I couldn't give you more..," Tim said. As Joe tried to process the statement, Tim turned and gestured at the exit where the suited man walked out of. "Corporate's really pushing me to get the job done."
"Wait... what do you mean my last day?"
"You seemed so stressed... that's no way to go...," Tim shook his head. "I felt bad taking your soul, so I gave you another day."
"Huh?" Joe asked the question first, then he blinked. He was disoriented for a moment after he opened his eyes, and he realized he was standing next to Tim, also on his feet. And, a corpse that looked a lot like Joe was hunched over the bar. "You seemed like a nice guy; but, it's kind of against the rules to show favoritism like that. Of course, if everyone gets the day, it's not favoritism, is it? " Screams began outside. "I don't even mind the little bit of extra work, as long as you had a nice day off."