The words in italics at the beginning were given to me by my writing instructor. He gave them to me as a prompt with the task of completing the piece in no more than a thousand words. There are exactly 1000 words. It is possible that I will make revisions once he reads it.

Enjoy!

Part I

L—  T—, having decided to take his own life, felt that at least he 

might take his own time also. He consulted his pass-book: 

there was a little over a hundred pounds left. "Very well," said he. 

"I'll get out of this flat, which stinks, and spend a really delightful

 week at Mutton's. I'll taste all the little pleasures just once more, 

to say good-bye to them." 

He engaged his suite at Mutton's, where he kept the page-boys on the run. 

At 59, a scant 5'8" tall, 146 pounds, and with a few wisps of gray hair splayed atop his round, bald head, L.T. as he is known, is hardly an imposing figure.

It is here, in his lavishly-appointed suite, complete with crystal decanter and glasses, he spent his few remaining days dining on food he so loved.

With two days remaining in this self-imposed exile, L.T. realized he had nearly exhausted his funds. "Not very good planning, that!" he muttered.

After completing his morning ablutions, he rang for his breakfast and spent the rest of the day in quiet reflection.

As darkness enveloped the day's remaining light, L.T. reached into his valise and removed a small vial of liquid. His preferred method of self-termination. Quiet, clean, and painless.

He contemplated writing a goodbye note, but then realized there was no one who would care, so what would be the use?

Finally, after having spent the last of his funds on his favorite meal, he decided it was time to end his misery.

He pulled his finest suit from the armoire, donned his death garment and admired his image in a full-length mirror in the corner.

Then he sat on the bed, poured the vial into a crystal glass, raised it to his lips, and with a smile of resignation, downed the contents.

After which he lay back, closed his eyes, and waited.

Within moments, he took one last deep breath and his heart ceased to beat.

Part II

L.T. opened his eyes and tried to identify his surroundings.

He found himself in a bare room, save for the bed upon which he lie, and a door.

Just as he gathered his senses, the door opened and a figure wearing an elaborately-decorated purple robe entered.

"What are YOU doing here???? You're not due for another 10 years!"

L.T. was thoroughly confused; this wasn't what he expected. But then again, he wasn't quite sure what it was he DID expect.

At last finding his voice, he asked: "Where am I????? Who ARE you????"

"My name is Simon, and I am what is erroneously referred to as the Grim Reaper. Erroneous because I am neither grim, nor do I reap. I have no idea where people got that ridiculous notion!

"I serve as Official Greeter, if you will. It is my responsibility to guide the arrivals to the proper transport for the remainder of their journey."

L.T. repeatedly blinked in his inability to absorb this information. And for a moment, considered that he was not dead, but merely dreaming.

"I will have to determine what to do with you now, since clearly you can go no further. Wait here."

Simon exited the room and several seconds later, another figure entered.

"NOW what? Who are YOU?" asked L.T.

"I'm Gabriel.  Simon said to keep an eye on you until he gets back. I am Official Entertainer. Would you like to hear some harp music while you wait?

"No, thank you."

"Simon hasn't been at this for very long, and you're the first one to arrive unannounced. That is strictly against the rules. Arrivals and continuations are planned down to the second. You're blocking the pathway and I can only imagine the backup this has created!

Curious, L.T. asked "What happened to the fellow Simon replaced?"

"Oh, it's a long story. That was Thomas; he ran off with one of the incoming females.  She was a real looker, too, I gotta say. And hooboy is HE gonna get it when they find him! He had to be replaced tout de suite, and there was hardly time to train Simon before his first arrival. It wasn't very difficult, though; there are only two ways to go from here, and the travel documents are all prepared and given to the Greeter ahead of time.

"You SURE you don't want any music?"

"I'm sure."

At that precise moment, the door opened and Simon entered the room.

"You have to go back immediately."

"Go BACK??" L.T. bellowed.

"Yes. I've consulted with the Official Entrance Committee, and that's their decision. Admittedly, this is all new to me, but I'm confident your return will be accomplished smoothly and without complication."

And with that, Simon not-so-gently pushed the protesting L.T. down onto the bed.

"Just lie down as you were when you awoke. The process will only take a few seconds."

"NOW would you like some music?" Gabriel asked once again.

"No! I DON'T want any music! I'm NOT going to lie down. I don't WANT to go back!!!"

After his brief but futile struggle, Simon clamped a strange-looking device to L.T.'s wrist. Then Simon and Gabriel left the room as L.T. continued his protestations as they closed the door behind them.

With nothing more than a soft "puff" sound, L.T. vanished, leaving the room in complete and almost eerie stillness.

Part III

The warm Spring sun was shining brightly, with just a faint hint of a breeze. A man and woman reclined on a blanket sharing an embrace when they heard a rustling in the nearby bushes.

Startled and annoyed by the distraction, the male stood to investigate, circling the area cautiously.

"Thomas! Over there!" cried the female, pointing to the bushes behind them.

He approached the spot indicated. "I heard something thrashing around, but couldn't see anything," he said, "Whatever it was must have run off."

That sounds almost human! they agreed, as a lone wolf howled mournfully in the distance.