Death is…dying?

I lived a good life.
Average, at best, but good enough for me.
I enjoyed it.
I would like to believe that I made more than enough people happy, and better with my existence, and that was more than enough for me.
I was always a people pleaser, others told me.
For me, I just did what I liked: being nice and polite.
Grandma’s and my parents’ teachings always resonated strongly with me.
Now, breathing my last, I was looking at the room, filled with my family.
They slowly disappeared, as only one figure remained in the hazy room.
It was a tall, pale lady, with the gentlest eyes, and the warmest of smiles.
“Death?”
I asked.
“Yes, I am here, little Ferdinand.”
She smiled.
I felt…calm.
None of the fear and uncertainty from before remained.
I knew for sure that the one in front of me, will make it so that I arrive where I should arrive.
“Thank you.”
I murmured, closing my eyes.
Then, something warm splattered across my face.
Weird.
I thought.
Maybe it some ritual?
I guessed she would just touch my forehead or something, and take my soul.
But nothing happened.
I heard a loud laughter.
Opening my eyes, the beautiful Lady was above me, protecting me, arms spread, and her chest…
Her chest had a gaping hole in it.
In front of her, a tall, flickering shadow figure laughed.
“Thanks mortal!
I was trying to get her for so many years now, but you are the first mortal she actually lowered her guard with.”
It said looking at me, before disappearing.
I couldn’t comprehend what was happening.
Death turned around, her pale face now become even more ghostly.
Yet…
She still smiled.
Taking out a handkerchief, she cleaned her blood off of my face.
“I am sorry, young one.”
She said.
I…
I couldn’t talk.
Death…
Death is…dying?
“Yes, indeed, I am dying.
Sadly for us, this means no trip together to the afterlife, now or ever, since I am just a concept.
A new one will be born the moment I leave.”
She said, giggling.
“Will she be still you?”
I asked.
“Her or him, or they for that matter, will be me and yet, not really.
My memories will be theirs, but my personality is mine alone.
Well, little Ferdinand, I know these few minutes won’t be enough for anything…
But your journey to the next point will have to be delayed.
Sorry.”
She said, smiling, as she slowly faded away.
Now, I could see my family once more.
I quickly said my last words…again, before the room became hazy again.
Now, a gentle old man was looking at me.
“Shall we go, little Ferdinand?
For good this time.”
He chuckled.
I nodded, as he gently pat my head, and everything went black…