Well now. This was interesting to say the least. Death had been returning from a job. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a wizard that wanted special attention. It seemed like most of them did these days. As if their short lives were worth more than the milkman’s. He just followed the rules and took the wizard as he asked.
He had almost been surprised to see Death of Rats at the same location. It seemed that the wizard had a pet gerbil that had died at the same time. It happened like that sometimes. Occasionally, it was purely a coincidence. It was no concern of Death’s either way. He just did his job and took Death of Rats with him when they were finished.
They had been riding Binky, Death’s pale horse, discussing whether or not Death should send a card to his granddaughter for her birthday. Death thought the entire notion was silly. Susan was practically immortal, that would lead to quite a few cards. Death of Rats said Susan would enjoy the gesture. The debate kept going even as they reached Death’s Domain. Binky had just passed through the wall of the castle and that was when it happened.
They found themselves someplace … Else.
Else was very different from Death’s home. Sunlight and happy colors had replaced the black fixtures and dark colors. Interesting to say the least. They appeared in Else right beside a large house with a single stall stable next to it. It seemed that Death had been expected.
He had put Binky in his stall and left Death of Rats to tend to the animal. Death wanted to see exactly where Else was. He went for a walk, ending up in front of a hotel. There was a mortal woman standing there. She seemed to be waiting for someone. He was a someone. Mostly.
PARDON ME. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD HELP ME. Her hair was fascinating. He wondered if it was a separate entity.