Page 38 of Living with Death

Hmm.Death is a briefs guy. Before I rethink this, I take off into the water, screaming as it washes over me. I dive in and spread my arms, kicking off. The cold seeps deep into my bones, nearly paralyzing me and making me feel alive more than ever. The rush of water moves over my body as I push out. I twirl my body and hit the surface, seeing Azrael dive down. I quickly get back to the shore, my whole body shaking profusely.

“Oh my God.” I rub my arms. “I’m freezing!” I run back to my clothes and grab my blazer, wrapping it around myself, laughing at how foolish that was, but humming with adrenaline. I’ve lived for thirty-three years and never done anything like this. I want to shout from the rooftops and run down this beach as fast as possible. I spread my arms and twirl, looking up at the sky. Inhaling and closing my eyes, I relish this moment.

I’m the woman whose childhood shook her, barely leaves the house, and who doesn’t let people know her because it’s easier.

But today, I’m the woman who flew. I’m the woman who jumped into the murky water and let it run over her body, filling her with a new purpose in life.

Azrael walks from the water, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“You’re not cold?” I ask, shaking.

“No.” In one swift movement, he grabs me into his arms. “Let me warm you.”

I tremble as he wraps his arms around me, my teeth chattering, but seconds later, I feel as though I’m standing beside a heater, and the chattering stops. “Why did you follow me in?”

“You jump into the freezing water. I jump. But it would be best if you didn’t do things like that.” His voice is stern, and I feel it vibrate across his warm chest.

“Why?”

“Because it’s dangerous.”

“You’re here, though.”

He pulls away from me. “And what does that matter?” Water drips from his dark hair, rolling down his neck.

“You said you wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”

His eyes search mine, and they bounce down to my lips. An emotion I can’t place lives inside of them. “I might not always be here.”

Why does my chest sink? “But you are now.”

He swallows. “Your lips are blue. Let’s get home.”

The ride is quiet, both of us looking out the window, watching the world pass. My clothes stick to me, and my hair feels like ice on my head.

The car pulls up to the house, and we both exit.

“You need a warm shower. I’ll wait for you down here.”

“Are you angry at me?” I ask.

“Angry? Why would I be angry?”

“You’ve been quiet. And back at the beach, you all but got on to me for jumping in.”

“I’m sorry. I just… it worried me, is all.”

I laugh. “The Angel of Death was worried about little ol’ me?”

“Don’t laugh at me, Mabel.” There’s a warning in his voice that I find thrilling—a challenge. The wrinkle of concern between his brow vanishes, and he inclines his head, his eyes looking mischievous.

My heart thrums excitedly. I have the urge to saywhat, but I decide against it. I take a step back, swallowing before I say, “No more laughing. I’ll be quick.”

I peel my clothes off and turn the shower on, and as the water warms, I stand, letting the steam fill the room. I think about what Azrael said.He might not always be here.

I hate how that makes me feel, and it reminds me that I should keep my distance or at least put protection around my heart. But it’s hard when Azrael looks at me the way he did down there.

He will leave whenever he sees fit, and I’ll be left with nothing but memories.

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