When Life Ends Love Remains

Inspired by THBGato's "The Parting Glass", this story was written for the

750 Word Project 2025

. Thank you to Elizaloo for beta-reading. What follows are 750 words:

Lady Death walked slowly through the hospital.

She caught her reflection in a mirror. She looked tired. She felt tired, too. Something was wrong--had been wrong for a while.

The world around her blurred. Doctors, nurses, grieving families, those clinging to life. None saw her, but she saw them all. Finally, she reached a small hospital bed. A boy lay pale and still.

His time was up.

His family sat beside him, watching, unaware of the inevitable. She sighed softly, stepping forward. With a touch as light as a feather, her slender fingers brushed his forehead.

The boy's eyes fluttered open. His ethereal form rose from the bed, his body still beneath him.

Machines beeped frantically. Nurses and doctors rushed to save a life already lost.

"Who are you?" he asked, more curious than afraid.

She knelt beside him, her dark robes flowing like liquid shadow.

"Hello, Robert. I'm Death." She grabbed his hand, gently and carefully. The boy frowned but didn't pull his hand away.

"You don't look like Death."

"I don't?"

He shook his head. "You're not scary at all. You're... pretty."

Death smiled softly. "Why, thank you."

"Do you come for everyone?" he asked, studying her.

"Not always," she admitted. "Some deaths are quiet, unnoticed. Some lives go on without ever meeting me. But I try to be there for those who matter."

Robert considered this. "Why me?"

"You see, I happen to know that you're going to become someone great."

"Oh." His gaze drifted past her to a shimmering light in the distance. "Where are we going?"

"Just a little further." She gestured toward the glowing portal. "Do you see it?"

He nodded.

"That's your destination. The love of my life will meet you there."

His brows furrowed.

"She's amazing. You'll see."

Robert took a hesitant step forward, then another. He turned back once, searching her face.

"Will I see you again?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. Now go, little one. Good luck."

As Robert stepped into the light, warmth spread through the space. As the glow faded, however, so did Lady Death's strength. A wave of exhaustion overtook her, and her knees buckled.

"Mother Life..." she pleaded.

From the light, a figure emerged--a woman with long, white hair, radiant and eternal, wearing a flowing gown of soft white.

Life's eyes widened at the sight of Death on her knees. She rushed forward, cradling her face.

"What's wrong, my love?" she asked, tilting Death's chin up.

"I'm weak. It... it hurts."

Life's hands cupped Death's cheeks, warm and full of power. Before Death could say more, Life pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

A surge of warmth flooded Death's fading form. She whimpered softly as Life poured magic into her, but it wasn't enough.

Life exhaled, sadness heavy in her voice. "I'm so sorry. It's time."

They moved without words, through space and time, until they sat beneath an ancient tree, golden leaves swaying lightly above them. Life held Death close, running fingers through her dark hair.

"Even my magic has limits," Life said.

Death curled into her embrace. "I'm sorry. I feel like I'm disappointing you."

"No, my love. You have served me better than any before you."

Concern flashed before Death's eyes. "Will I be reborn?"

Life hesitated. "No, sweet one. I'm sorry. Did you want to be?"

Death clutched Life's gown, then kissed her once more. For a moment, energy flowed between them--fleeting, desperate.

She pulled back. "I will just... disappear?"

Life stroked her hair softly. "You'll become a memory in me. I am eternal, and so you will be, too."

Death's breath grew labored. Her body, once shadow and grace, unraveled.

"Can I stay here?" she whispered.

Life saw how the magic holding Death together frayed at the seams. She closed her eyes, wrapping them both in golden light, easing the pain.

"I love you," Life murmured, pressing her lips to Death's forehead. "I will never forget you--your beautiful black eyes, your gentle hands, the way you touched all living things with care."

Death shuddered, her grip loosening. "What will you do now?"

Life buried her face in Death's dark hair, breathing in her fading scent. "Don't worry about me," she whispered. "Another will take up your mantle. But no one will ever replace you."

She held her tighter, as if that might keep her from slipping away, but time moved for all things--even for Death and Life.

Soon, Death was no more.

And Mother Life, radiant and eternal, wept.